Lawmakers push for decisive stance as President weighs economic, social impact
As the date of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) approaches, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is facing growing pressure to clarify his position on online gambling, with several lawmakers calling for an outright ban.
Mounting Political Pressure
Senator Raffy Tulfo is the latest to join the chorus, labeling online gambling an “epidemic” and urging immediate action. According to ABS-CBN News, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the President is carefully evaluating both the economic and social consequences of a full ban.
“President Marcos is reviewing all angles, including regulatory impact and potential economic fallout,” Castro stated. She added that a rushed decision could drive players toward unregulated black-market sites, making the situation worse.
Legislative Initiatives in Motion
Several bills targeting online gambling have already been filed in Congress. Manila Representative Benny Abante introduced House Bill 1876, aiming to ban all forms of online gambling and offsite betting. He likened online gambling to a “virus” that undermines social values and devastates Filipino families.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has proposed a similar measure, while Tulfo plans to submit his own bill focused on prohibition rather than regulation. Tulfo also stressed the need to investigate government officials allegedly involved in enabling the spread of online gambling.
Industry Pushback and Regulatory Response
In response, major operators including Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts, and Okada Manila released a joint statement defending their operations. The trio emphasized their compliance with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulations and highlighted their significant contributions to tourism—each investing over US$1 billion in the local economy.
Top gaming lawyer Tonet Quiogue echoed PAGCOR’s position against a total ban. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco warned that prohibition could eliminate thousands of jobs and reduce vital government revenue. Instead, both advocate for more stringent regulatory measures as a balanced alternative.
Historical Context and Future Expectations
Notably, in his 2024 SONA, President Marcos announced a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). At the time, his administration signaled openness to taxing the broader online gaming industry. However, with growing political and public scrutiny, a more restrictive stance is now being considered.
What Comes Next
With his SONA scheduled for July 28, all eyes are on Marcos to provide clarity. Whether he will endorse regulation or move towards prohibition remains uncertain. As lawmakers push for a total ban, the administration must balance competing priorities: protecting Filipino families while preserving jobs and revenue in a sector worth billions.
