Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is supportive of proposals to regulate and potentially tax online gaming platforms, especially if these initiatives are aimed at safeguarding public welfare and addressing gambling addiction, Malaca±ang announced. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Marcos recognizes the risks associated with unregulated online gambling and would not oppose well-researched measures and policies to control this sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Finance (DOF) has proposed imposing a tax on online gaming to restrict its proliferation, with the aim of benefiting Filipino families. "Ang proposal po na ito ng DOF na magkaroon po ng tax para po marestriktuhan ang mga online gaming ay para naman po sa ikabubuti ng pamilyang Pilipino (This DOF proposal to impose a tax to restrict online gaming is for the good of the Filipino family)," Castro expressed during a press briefing at the Palace.

President Marcos is cognizant of the potential impacts on individuals addicted to gambling and has made it clear that he will not oppose any proposal, provided it is backed by thorough research. Beyond taxing legitimate gaming platforms, the administration plans to intensify its efforts to combat illegal or unregistered online gambling operations.

Castro also addressed the growing calls within Congress to impose stricter regulations or even ban online gambling entirely. She assured that the President is closely monitoring these developments. Online gambling has come under increased scrutiny in the country amid concerns over rising addiction, social costs, and the spread of illegal operators.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has recently introduced the Anti-Online Gambling Act, which advocates for a total ban, while other lawmakers are calling for tighter regulation through licensing and taxation.