Philippine Government Responds to Growing Concern Over Online Gambling

MANILA, Philippines — Amid rising public outcry regarding the detrimental effects of online gambling, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is actively monitoring the situation of citizens grappling with gambling addiction. This response comes as lawmakers propose various legislative measures to regulate or entirely ban online gambling in the country.

The concern surrounding online gambling has escalated significantly, especially as online gaming platforms become more accessible through smartphones and digital devices. According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer published on July 8, 2025, support groups for recovering gambling addicts report an alarming increase in posts detailing financial ruin and emotional distress linked to online betting. A member of one such group lamented, “I can’t take this anymore. Adios! See you in paradise,” highlighting the severity of the mental health crisis triggered by gambling addiction.

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, recently addressed this issue, suggesting that online gambling has infiltrated the lives of Filipinos to a troubling extent. “Who needs to sneak into a high-end casino when the casino has been brought into every living room, every bedroom, every child’s pocket?” he stated in a Facebook post, criticizing the promotional activities of celebrities endorsing online gambling.

In response to these concerns, Malacañang press officer Claire Castro indicated that President Marcos is open to reviewing proposed legislation aimed at curbing the proliferation of online gambling. “The President is listening to the plight of our fellow Filipinos who have been addicted to online gambling,” she noted during a press briefing. Castro emphasized that any legislation would be thoroughly examined to ensure it benefits both the economy and the well-being of citizens.

Several bills have already been filed in Congress. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri recently proposed a measure aimed at enforcing stricter regulations on online gambling, including requiring enhanced identification protocols and restricting the use of electronic payment systems such as GCash and Maya. Zubiri argued that the revenues generated from online gambling, estimated at PHP 48.8 billion (approximately USD 857 million) by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) in 2024, do not justify the social costs associated with gambling addiction. “That’s too small a price to pay for the social costs involved,” Zubiri asserted during a forum.

Conversely, some lawmakers, like Bukidnon Representative Jonathan Keith Flores, express skepticism about an outright ban, citing the necessary government revenue generated from online gambling. Flores introduced the Anti-Online Gambling Promotions in E-Wallets Act, which aims to mitigate the accessibility of online gaming to vulnerable populations.

On the other end of the spectrum, Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong advocates for a complete ban on online gambling, asserting that the negative impacts on mental health and societal morals are too significant to ignore. Adiong pointed out that other countries have successfully outlawed online gambling, arguing, “If we have banned Pogos (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), why can’t we do that virtually?”

As discussions surrounding online gambling continue, the implications extend beyond economic considerations. The ongoing debate raises critical questions about the balance between generating government revenue and safeguarding public health. As the government deliberates potential regulatory measures, the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis fueled by gambling addiction remains paramount.

In conclusion, the Philippine government stands at a crossroads regarding online gambling policy. With legislative proposals under review, President Marcos has the opportunity to take a decisive stance that prioritizes the well-being of his constituents while addressing the economic factors at play. The upcoming State of the Nation Address on July 28 may serve as a pivotal moment for Marcos to clarify his position on this contentious issue, and its outcomes could shape the future landscape of online gambling in the Philippines.