The Philippine Senate will hold a public hearing next week to investigate the rise of online gambling, amid growing concerns about its social impact and renewed calls for an outright ban.
This development follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he notably avoided taking a stance on online gambling. His silence has drawn criticism from lawmakers who believe the issue demands immediate attention.
Viral Incident Sparks Outrage
Public concern intensified after footage went viral showing a congressman watching e-sabong—online cockfighting—during a legislative session. The incident ignited backlash and amplified calls to reassess the role of gambling in both public and official spaces.
Senate Inquiry to Weigh Regulation vs Ban
Senator Erwin Tulfo, newly appointed chair of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, announced on Wednesday that he will lead the investigation. He plans to summon key government agencies—including PAGCOR and the Department of Finance—as well as representatives from youth groups, religious institutions, academia, and parental organizations.
While Tulfo stated that the inquiry aims to hear diverse views on regulation versus prohibition, he also admitted leaning toward a total ban. He cited the widespread availability of gambling apps and weak age-verification systems as serious risks, especially to minors.
“Online gambling is accessible 24/7. Digital wallets don’t ask for age verification. This puts our youth at risk,” Tulfo warned.
Senate Leaders Push for Immediate Action
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri also criticized the President’s omission of the gambling issue from his SONA. He urged fellow lawmakers to act, arguing that gambling-related problems—such as debt, addiction, and family breakdown—have now surpassed any financial benefits.
Other senators, including Loren Legarda, Raffy Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Pangilinan, echoed this sentiment. While some support stricter regulation, others advocate for full prohibition of all digital betting platforms.
Call for Fintech Firms to Act
In a related move, Senator Tulfo urged fintech companies such as GCash and PayMaya to proactively restrict gambling transactions on their platforms. He framed it as a matter of corporate responsibility and warned that the spread of gambling content via social media and apps is normalizing harmful behavior.
He also expressed concern that government assistance—such as the 4Ps program (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program)—could be misused for gambling, making vulnerable families even more at risk.
“We cannot wait for a law to stop this. Fintech firms must act now to protect the public,” he said.
What’s Next?
The Senate’s upcoming public hearing will allow all sides to present data and recommendations. Its outcome could influence the future of online gambling legislation in the Philippines, shaping both industry regulations and public health safeguards.
