Lawmaker Calls to Limit Accessibility to Online Gambling
MANILA, Philippines — Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores recently expressed caution over proposals to completely ban online gambling. While acknowledging the vital revenue these games generate for the government, he emphasized the need to limit accessibility to prevent addiction.
Flores shared in an interview that his bill, the Anti-Online Gambling Promotions in E-Wallets Act, aims to reduce the ease with which Filipinos can top up online gambling accounts through e-wallet apps. “My primary target is the links between the e-wallets and the online games, because if you go, look at e-wallets, there are buttons that will directly link you to the online games. So (it) makes it easier to load and to play some more online games,” he said. “Now, it’s not basically to ban online gaming, it’s to make it more difficult for the ordinary Filipino to participate.”
He pointed out that many e-wallet applications allow cash-in amounts as low as P50, making access simple and tempting for many. However, repeated small top-ups can accumulate, leading to significant losses. “The ease of topping-up and loading money to the gambling applications, that’s what my target is. Because it allows you to top up even P50 eh. So it seems to target ordinary Filipinos. It doesn’t amount to much. True, but it adds up, if you keep topping up because it’s as easy as just with a few clicks of your fingers,” Flores added.
Balancing Revenue and Social Impact
When asked about Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano’s call for a total ban on online games, Flores acknowledged the financial benefits but stressed the need for balance. Valeriano advocates that licensed gambling should be restricted to regulated onsite venues managed by agencies like Pagcor or the Games and Amusements Board.
Flores said, “I also recognize that it generates some form of revenue — revenue that is badly needed by the government. That’s true, but at what expense, that’s it, you have to balance it out. So if it is so easy to play these online games, Filipinos are encouraged to participate in their gambling activities.” He further noted the growing problem of addiction, stating, “So second is that, there is an addiction already. We have seen people so addicted to the games.”
Clarifying Position on E-Wallets
Flores made clear that he supports the use of e-wallets for their convenience and importance in daily life. However, he questioned the necessity of having direct links or pop-up buttons in these apps that lead users straight to online gambling platforms. “And here comes this e-wallets — don’t get me wrong, I love the e-wallets, they’re so useful, they’re so important these days — but the thing is, is it necessary for them to have direct links to the online gambling apps, that they have buttons that you click and it directs you to the all the online games that, although registered with Pagcor, it is easily accessible. So it’s like feeding the addiction,” he explained.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
Several lawmakers have filed measures in the current Congress aimed at limiting access to online gambling. Representatives from Bicol Saro, Akbayan, and other party-lists have urged the government to protect vulnerable groups from the risks of gambling addiction. Their concerns echo Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David’s recent call for stronger safeguards, especially to shield the youth from becoming addicted.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has also introduced legislation to tighten regulations on online gambling, including reducing its accessibility. He urged agencies like Pagcor to step up efforts against illegal online gambling sites to better protect Filipino internet users.
For more news and updates on online gambling regulations, visit Filipinokami.com.