Cardinal Calls for Compassion Over Online Gambling Crisis
MANILA — “Kailangan nila ng tulong, hindi ng panghusga.” (They need help, not judgment.) This was the heartfelt call of Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David amid rising concerns about the impact of online gambling on individuals and families. The cardinal emphasized the need for support rather than condemnation, especially for the youth and the poor who are most vulnerable.
Addressing the ongoing online gambling crisis, Cardinal David highlighted its parallels with past issues such as the drug war, reminding the public that those caught in these struggles should be treated with understanding. “It is not the Christian way to label criminality as simply evil; often, it stems from deeper mental health challenges,” he explained during a homily marking his 19th Episcopal Ordination anniversary.
Understanding the Roots of Online Gambling Crisis
“There is always a reason why people turn to drugs, alcohol, or online gambling,” the cardinal said. “Sometimes, they are going through personal hardships.” This perspective challenges the notion of punishment and calls for empathy and assistance.
Cardinal David openly criticized the former administration’s war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths. He stressed that kindness is inherent in human nature and that everyone can make mistakes. “The Lord created no one inherently evil, so we must not brand anyone as evil regardless of their actions,” he urged.
He further clarified, “Loathe the sin, not the sinner.” This approach, he said, is essential for healing and building a society free from cycles of revenge and regret.
CBCP’s Stand on the Online Gambling Crisis
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) recently released a pastoral letter urging swift action against the growing online gambling crisis. They described gambling as a “moral and public health crisis” that devastates countless families and individuals.
The CBCP called on the public to become a source of hope for victims and to stand firmly against the harms caused by online gambling. Cardinal David, who also serves as the CBCP president, criticized government agencies for failing to shield Filipinos, especially the youth, from becoming gambling addicts.
“Nothing could be more absurd than a government agency wringing its hands over illegal offshore gambling sites—when it has already legalized inland online gambling, fully, completely, brazenly,” he wrote on social media, underscoring the contradiction in policy.
The Call for Compassionate Action
As the online gambling crisis deepens, the cardinal’s message is clear: society must respond with compassion and support rather than judgment. This empathetic stance acknowledges the complex reasons behind addiction and criminality while promoting healing and inclusion.
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