MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is carefully examining the future of online gambling in the Philippines. Despite its significance, he did not mention this contentious topic in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the President is still evaluating the effects of online gambling on the country and its people. “There was no missed opportunity for the President to discuss online gambling,” she said during post-SONA discussions.
“The President will not make a statement right away if the matter has not yet been thoroughly studied,” Castro added. She explained that it is wiser to delay a decision until the full impact of online gambling is understood.
“If he immediately declares a total ban on online gambling without fully grasping its effects, it might appear as a hasty mistake,” she noted.
Castro pointed out that illegal online gambling platforms are the main problem, as they lure Filipinos into addiction under the guise of harmless recreation. Licensed operators, on the other hand, are easier to regulate and can enforce user restrictions promptly.
“The President is also considering suggestions from his Cabinet secretaries who are concerned about online gambling,” she added.
Balancing Risks and Benefits of Online Gambling
Meanwhile, church officials expressed disappointment that President Marcos did not address online gambling in his SONA. Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, said, “Online gambling is one of the things that truly affects people’s lives right now, so we were hoping it would at least be mentioned — if not online gambling specifically, then gambling in general.”
He also hoped the President would link concerns about youth addiction to online gambling with his mention of sports, saying, “It would’ve been better if the messaging had connected the two.”
Secillano suggested that public pressure to ban online gambling may not be as strong as it was against Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which were outlawed last year. Nonetheless, he stressed, “This issue should not be ignored because of the severe harm it causes, especially to the youth.”
Lawmakers and Agencies Weigh Online Gambling
Several lawmakers and church leaders continue to push for a complete ban on online gambling. They cite the social harms, particularly addiction among young Filipinos, as outweighing any benefits.
On the other hand, government agencies such as the Department of Finance and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) advocate for stricter regulation instead of outright prohibition. They highlight the billions in revenue that online gambling generates, which can fund social programs and create jobs for thousands of Filipinos.
As President Marcos studies the issue, many await a balanced policy that protects citizens while considering economic implications.
For more news and updates on online gambling impact, visit Filipinokami.com.
