Manila: Online gambling has emerged as a more severe social crisis compared to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito cautioned, urging for extensive governmental measures to combat what he perceives as a silent epidemic affecting Filipino families. He, along with other senators, is advocating for urgent action to address the detrimental impact of online gambling on local communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ejercito highlighted the difference between the victims of POGOs, who were predominantly foreigners, and those affected by online gambling, who are primarily Filipinos including workers, parents, and children. This internal crisis, he argues, is more damaging as it involves the destruction of the community's own fabric. He proposed that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) enable families to block access to gambling websites and advocated for a restriction on using e-wallets for gambling transactions.
Ejercito also emphasized the necessity for a nationwide public education campaign to assist communities in recognizing and combating gambling addiction. Expressing concern over mobile apps masquerading as harmless games, which are easily accessible to minors, he noted the simplicity of engaging in online gambling with minimal barriers to access.
These warnings from Ejercito coincide with efforts by other senators to establish stricter regulations or to consider banning online gambling platforms altogether. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri introduced the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, aiming for a complete ban on online gambling activities, including mobile apps and both locally and offshore-operated websites. The proposed legislation mandates internet service providers and mobile platforms to block gambling sites and remove apps within 72 hours following a directive from the Department of Justice or Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Non-compliance could result in fines, suspension, or license revocation.
Moreover, Zubiri's bill seeks to eliminate the use of digital wallets and credit cards for gambling payments, holding advertisers and influencers promoting online casinos accountable. First-time violators could face fines of PHP20 million and six-month suspensions, while repeat offenders risk PHP100 million in penalties, full license revocation, and criminal prosecution.
In a related legislative effort, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian introduced a bill advocating for tighter regulation. His proposal includes a PHP10,000 minimum cash-in requirement to deter casual betting, a prohibition on gambling sponsorships for public events and political campaigns, and the establishment of rehabilitation programs funded by regulatory fees. Gatchalian pointed out the correlation between online gambling and a rise in debt, crime, and family disintegration, exemplified by the disappearance of 34 sabungeros linked to illegal e-sabong networks. He stressed the destructive influence of online gambling facilitated by e-wallets like Scatter, declaring it a threat to the moral integrity of society that can no longer be ignored.
