Manila: Senators on Monday hailed the move of several government agencies in cracking down on online gambling, which they are seeking to ban due to its negative implications. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian lauded the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for tightening payment rules for online gambling transactions, calling it a monumental step toward protecting Filipinos from addiction and financial ruin.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian said the BSP's newly announced safeguards-including daily transaction caps, time limits, and biometric verification-are aligned with the Senate's efforts to stem the rise of digital gambling, particularly among the youth. 'The BSP's decisive action to tighten online gambling payment rules is a monumental step toward the responsible use of digital services. Daily caps, time limits, and biometric verification can help curb the alarming rise of gambling addiction, especially among the youth,' he said in a statement.
Gatchalian is pushing for the passage of a bill that seeks to prohibit online gambling altogether. His proposed measure also mandates the registration of gambling operators with the Anti-Money Laundering Council and includes financial safeguards to protect consumers. 'Kailangang magkaisa ang lahat ng sangay ng gobyerno para sugpuin ang salot ng online gambling (All branches of government must unite to stamp out the scourge of online gambling),' he added.
Senator Pia Cayetano also expressed strong support for the government's crackdown, praising the Department of Information and Communications Technology for ordering social media influencers to remove gambling-related content and for coordinating with digital platforms to ensure compliance. She also welcomed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation's directive to dismantle all gambling-related billboards and advertisements nationwide, calling it a necessary move to reduce aggressive marketing that targets the youth.
'These actions send the right signal-that promoting gambling is not acceptable, especially when it targets our most vulnerable sectors,' Cayetano said in another statement. She described online gambling as a 'silent epidemic,' warning that the habit has quietly seeped into households, classrooms, and workplaces. 'Students are gambling away their allowances, employees are betting during work hours, and parents are left to deal with the fallout-broken trust, addiction, and mounting debt,' she added.
Cayetano has also filed a "Ban on Online Gambling Act," which seeks to prohibit all forms of online gambling, limit its promotion on social media, and block gambling transactions through e-wallets. The measure also includes provisions for public education on gambling risks.
