Online gambling not addressed in SONA due to policy review - Palace
Metro Manila, Philippines - Malacañang said online gambling was not mentioned in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) as the issue is under comprehensive policy review and should not be rushed.
This was the response to lawmakers and advocacy groups that voiced disappointment over the omission, citing rising addiction and calls for stricter regulation or even a total ban.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration is carefully assessing the issue, including the distinction between licensed and illegal operators, as well as the potential socioeconomic consequences of an outright ban.
“Maganda po kasi huwag tayo masyadong magpadalus-dalos. Minsan kasi nakikita natin ano ba iyong isinisigaw ng taumbayan pero iyong iba hindi pa po inaaral nang mabuti kung ano ba iyong magiging effect nito sa bayan,” said Castro during a palace briefing on Friday, Aug. 1.
[Translation: As of now, it’s better not to rush decisions. Sometimes we respond too quickly to what the public is demanding, but we haven’t fully studied the broader impact on the nation.]
She noted that licensed online gambling platforms generate substantial revenue that support public programs, including education and health services.
“Makakaapekto ba ito sa tulong sa bayan, sa tulong sa mga estudyante, sa tulong sa mga Pilipino?” she said.
[Translation: If we suddenly shut everything down, it could affect funding for programs that benefit students and ordinary citizens.]
Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno and CIBAC party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva lamented the president’s silence on online gambling, calling it a “missed opportunity” to address the issue at the leadership level.
“We expected the president, like what he did to POGOs (Philippine offshore gaming operators), to declare his opposition to online gambling, which is destroying many lives,” said Villanueva.
“Ang nakalulungkot, marami tayong hindi narinig: tulad ng pagsugpo sa online gambling addiction,” Diokno added.
[Translation: What’s sad is that we heard nothing on curbing online gambling addiction.]
Balancing risks, benefits
Castro said President Marcos has adopted a measured and informed approach, rather than act hastily under pressure.
“The president wants any decision to be well-studied. It can’t be impulsive,” she said.
She also raised questions about illegal gambling operations, including e-sabong, which persist despite previous government bans - a sign, she said, that enforcement and regulation, not just prohibition, must be part of the discussion.
Castro confirmed that the evaluation of both the economic and social impact of online gambling is still ongoing and that any future action will involve coordination across relevant agencies, including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Department of Justice, and Congress.
