Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to studying legislative proposals aimed at tightening regulations on online gambling, according to the Palace.
This comes as lawmakers file bills to raise alarm over the impact of online gambling on public health and financial well-being, with some calling for an outright ban.Palace Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Monday that while Marcos is aware of the potential economic benefits from online gaming, he is also considering the social costs, particularly addiction.“Batid po ng pangulo ang maaaring mangyari sa mga gumon sa sugal at hindi niya naman po tututulan basta po mayroon pong sapat na pag-aaral,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing on Monday, July 8. [Translation: The president is aware of what could happen to those addicted to gambling, and he will not oppose such proposals as long as they are backed by proper study]The Department of Finance (DOF) recently proposed a new tax on online gaming operators. Castro explained that the proposal is seen as a step toward limiting the reach of online gambling, especially for unregulated or illegitimate platforms.“Paiigtingin po lalo ang paglaban sa mga illegitimate o iyong hindi tama o hindi rehistradong mga online gaming sites,” she added.“There will be an intensified effort to go after illegitimate or unregistered online gaming sites.”Castro also responded to questions about pending legislation that seeks to regulate or completely ban online gambling, including a proposal filed by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri who earlier urged Malacañang to take a clear stand on the issue and consider including it in the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).While she could not confirm if the topic would be discussed in the SONA, Castro said the President is listening to these concerns.“Ang pangulo po ay nakikinig kung anong nangyayari sa ating mga kababayan. At kung anuman po ang bill na ipapasa nila, ito’y pag-aaralang mabuti kung ito’y makakabuti sa ating ekonomiya at sa taumbayan,” she said.[Translation; The President is listening to what is happening to our fellow Filipinos. Whatever bill is passed, it will be carefully studied to see if it will benefit the economy and the people] Addressing the issue from a public health perspective, Castro acknowledged the need to reduce addiction and limit access to online gambling.
“Gusto nating limitahan ang ganitong klaseng mga pagsusugal at mabawasan ang mga gumon sa sugal. Ang lahat ng puwedeng suggestion at maaaring batas para ito ay masawata, hindi naman po iyan tututulan ng ating pangulo,” she said.
