Malacañang Calls for Careful Review on Total Ban Online Gambling
Malacañang emphasized on Tuesday that any move toward a total ban online gambling must be approached with caution. The government is thoroughly reviewing the potential impacts before making a final decision.
During a briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro highlighted Senator Raffy Tulfo’s request for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address the issue of online gambling in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA). Castro assured that the President is currently studying the matter carefully.
“Decisions like this are carefully studied to determine whether they will affect the economy and the public, and we must not act hastily on the matter,” Castro explained. “Sometimes, when you ban legal and licensed online gaming sites, illegal online gaming sites tend to increase, and that has an even greater impact on the economy. That’s why the President is studying it thoroughly.”
Senator Tulfo Urges Inclusion in SONA
Earlier, Senator Tulfo expressed hope that President Marcos would mention online gambling during his SONA scheduled for July 28. “Like I said, maybe, Mr. President, you could include this issue of online gambling in your SONA. I don’t know, but again, I’m not dictating or telling the President what to say because that’s his decision, and I don’t want to interfere,” he said.
Government Weighs Tax Proposals and Stricter Regulations
On July 8, Castro also noted that President Marcos supports the Department of Finance’s proposed tax on online gaming operators, provided that the policy is backed by sufficient studies. This indicates an openness to regulation but with careful consideration of economic impacts.
Moreover, Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and JV Ejercito have called for swift and stricter government oversight on online gaming. They warned that the sector now poses a greater threat than Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), urging immediate action to protect the public interest.
With these developments, the government appears committed to balancing the regulation of online gambling while preventing unintended consequences such as the rise of illegal gaming activities.
For more news and updates on online gambling, visit Filipinokami.com.
