Online gambling addiction a ‘public health crisis,’ regulation needed - CBCP
Metro Manila, Philippines - A group of Catholic bishops called online gambling addiction a “public health crisis” and urged for more regulation.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) released a statement on Tuesday, July 8, which voiced serious concern on what it called “bagong salot o virus [a new plague or virus]” that destroys individuals, families, and the society.
“Akala natin nakaligtas na tayo sa POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) at E-Sabong, at hindi maipagkakaila ang malalang epekto ng mga ito na hanggang ngayon ay ating dinaranas,” read the statement, signed by CBCP President Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David.
“Pero narito ang bagong mukha ng pagsusugal. Hindi natin namamalayan, talamak na ito, at marami, kasama na ang mga kabataan, ang magiging adik na sa online gambling,” it said.
[Translation: We thought we were already free from POGO and E-Sabong, which had severe effects on our country. But here comes a new face of gambling. We don’t realize how chronic it is, with many, including the youth, addicted to online gambling.]
The bishops listed seven calls, which included treating gambling addiction as a public health issue addressed through education, law, and medicine.
“Sa pamahalaan, na lagyan ng karampatang kontrol ang mga online payment systems para hindi maging ganun kadali ang pagpasok sa mga sugalang ito online,” the CBCP said. “Nawa’y protektahan ang ating kabataan mula sa mga laro ng sugal sa mga online payment systems na ito.”
[Translation: We call on the government to put necessary controls in the online payment systems to make gambling harder to access. Let’s protect the youth from these online gambling through online payment systems.]
The group also called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and other government agencies to prioritize the safeguarding of rights, and not to push gambling for profit.
It urged the government, lawmakers, and local government units to consider more the welfare of the public rather than giving permits or legalizing gambling.
The CBCP said victims of online gambling addiction still need compassion, support, and guidance, and not shaming and judgement.
Many lawmakers have filed bills calling for the regulation of online gambling, with several seeking to cut links between online gambling and electronic wallets.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to studying such legislative proposals, according to the Palace.
Meanwhile, the CBCP also issued a pastoral letter addressing the violence in Gaza, the call for fair wages, and the delay in the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
