Senate to probe online gambling as senators push for game over

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Senate is set to investigate the controversial online gambling, with a number of senators aiming to gather sufficient data to back their call for a total ban.

Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri raised the issue in a privilege speech during the plenary session on Wednesday, July 29, expressing disappointment that the matter was not addressed in the State of the Nation Address.

Zubiri lamented that more people are getting addicted to online gambling - a problem he said that has claimed lives, particularly among vulnerable sectors struggling with financial woes because of it.

“Mr. president (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.), please give us guidance on this epidemic, how can we stop this epidemic from engulfing our whole country, and our nation and our people,” Zubiri said.

Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairperson of the committee on games and amusement, said a hearing will be held next week. He echoed Zubiri’s call for a total ban and said the committee would consult stakeholders and fellow lawmakers.

“We will direct appropriate government agencies like DOF (Department of Finance) and Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) to submit cost benefit analysis - the forgone revenues, as well as implications on employment not to mention the social costs,” Tulfo said.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, the committee’s vice chairperson, said the hearings should reinforce the Senate position by grounding it in data.

“So that the sense of the Senate will be supported by data and will be very strong,” he said.

Other senators have also voiced support for tougher measures to curb online gambling.