Diocese of San Carlos backs CBCP’s call to ban online gambling
SAN CARLOS CITY, Negros Occidental – The Diocese of San Carlos firmly stands behind the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in its urgent call to ban online gambling. Bishop Geraldo Alminaza made this announcement on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to address the growing threat.
“The Diocese of San Carlos, through its bishop, clergy, consecrated persons, lay leaders, and faithful, expresses its full, strong and unwavering support for the pastoral statement of the CBCP,” Alminaza said.
He described online gambling as a “silent virus” — a social and moral pandemic quietly spreading through households, parishes, and communities, enslaving hearts and distorting values. This silent menace demands immediate attention and decisive action.
Calls for urgent actions against online gambling
In response, the Diocese urges several key measures to combat this problem. First, they call for the immediate banning and criminalization of all forms of online gambling. Second, they advocate for stricter regulation of online platforms, payment systems, and e-wallets that enable easy access to gambling.
Protecting young people is also a priority. The Diocese demands steps to shield the youth from manipulative advertisements and the normalization of gambling in media. This is crucial to prevent the next generation from falling into the trap.
A united front to fight gambling’s effects
The Diocese stresses the importance of a whole-of-society response. This includes collaboration among the government, the Church, schools, and families to treat gambling as a spiritual, mental, and economic affliction. Alongside this, a pastoral approach of mercy, support, and accompaniment must be extended to those already affected.
Bishop Alminaza also instructed all clergy, consecrated persons, school administrators, catechists, lay leaders, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), and members of lay movements within the Diocese to actively raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of online gambling.
Local leaders noted that this united stance reflects deep concern for the welfare of communities and the preservation of moral values amid the growing online gambling crisis.
For more news and updates on online gambling, visit Filipinokami.com.
