Benny Abante to File Bill Banning Online Gambling
Manila Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. announced his intention to file a bill banning all forms of online gambling in the Philippines. This move comes shortly after his proclamation as the winning candidate for Manila’s sixth congressional district by the City Board of Canvassers.
In an interview, Abante emphasized his priority to file legislation that will revoke the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (Pagcor) franchise for online gambling operations. “I will file a bill banning all online gambling and asking Pagcor to take away the franchise,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
By pushing for this bill banning online gambling, Abante joins other lawmakers who have raised concerns over the social impact of online betting platforms and their effect, especially on the youth.
Legislative Efforts Against Online Gambling
Other legislators have similarly filed bills addressing the growing problem of online gambling. Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno and colleagues introduced House Bill No. 1351, known as the “Kontra E-Sugal Bill,” aiming to tackle gambling addiction among young Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri proposed the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, which seeks to prohibit all forms of online gambling, including digital platforms, mobile apps, and websites. Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a bill targeting the ban of online gambling access via e-wallets and super apps. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also supports stricter regulations to prevent gambling addiction, such as banning the use of e-wallets for online betting.
Government Response and Economic Considerations
Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is attentive to the challenges faced by Filipinos addicted to online gambling. She added that all proposed bills will undergo careful study to assess their economic impact and benefits to Filipino lives.
Additional Legislative Priorities of Abante
Aside from the bill banning online gambling, Abante plans to reconvene the House’s quad committee. This committee investigates illegal activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illegal drugs, and extrajudicial killings tied to the previous administration’s drug war.
In the 19th Congress, Abante served as chairperson of the House Committee on Human Rights, highlighting his ongoing dedication to tackling critical social issues.
Background on Election Proclamation
Abante’s proclamation as Manila’s sixth district representative followed a Comelec en banc decision. This ruling upheld the Comelec Second Division’s annulment of the initial proclamation of Joey Chua Uy, declaring Abante the rightful winner.
The Second Division voided Uy’s certificate of candidacy on June 18 for being a naturalized rather than natural-born Filipino citizen. The tribunal found Uy’s declaration false, constituting a material misrepresentation under the Omnibus Election Code. The decision cited Uy’s mother’s identification records, which showed she was a Filipina before marriage and married to a naturalized Filipino citizen.
For more news and updates on online gambling legislation, visit Filipinokami.com.