Meta asked to defend absence in online gambling hearing

Metro Manila, Philippines - Meta’s absence from a Senate inquiry on online gambling drew the ire of some senators, prompting the expected issuance of a show cause order to the US tech giant.

During the Senate committee on games and amusement hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 16, committee chairman Senator Erwin Tulfo expressed frustration over Meta’s failure to attend. He noted that while online gambling links have been removed from e-wallet apps, Facebook and other Meta platforms remain flooded with content promoting online gambling.

The committee secretariat reported that Meta sent a letter dated Sept. 15, wherein Facebook Philippines public policy manager Genixon David conveyed the company’s regrets. According to the letter, Meta’s subject matter experts based in Singapore and the US had prior commitments.

Instead, Meta requested a separate meeting with Tulfo’s office.

“This will allow our authorized representatives to present Meta’s initiatives, policies, enforcement, and partnership with both government and non-government stakeholders to discuss Meta’s existing policies on online gambling and real money gaming content,” the letter read.

The request did not sit well with Tulfo.

“No, no, no, committee secretary. Why are they dictating this committee, kung kelan sila attend [on when they will attend],” Tulfo said.

“Don't force me, Meta, na i-subpoena ko pa kayo [Don’t force me, Meta, to subpoena you],” he added.

Calling Meta’s absence a “disrespect,” Tulfo warned that the company’s country representative could be cited for contempt and detained by the Senate if they continue to ignore the summons.

“Kung wala ka respeto sa ibang committee, huwag mong gawin dito. Andaming kulungan niya sa ilalim. Pwede kitang ilagak diyan,” he said.

[Translation: If you have no respect for other committees, don’t bring that here. There are plenty of detention rooms underneath this building. I can put you in one.]

Senator Risa Hontiveros suggested that the committee issue a show cause order requiring Meta to explain why they should not be subpoenaed or held in contempt for skipping the hearing.

Tulfo agreed.

“That's what we're going to do. Exactly. To issue a showcase order why they should not be subpoenaed,” he said.

During the hearing, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas confirmed that links to online gambling sites had been taken down from all 38 e-wallet apps operating in the country. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) said this move led to a 50% drop in their income.

Hontiveros urged regulators to go further by banning the use of e-wallets to place online gambling bets. The Bangko Sentral and Pagcor said online gambling companies are legitimate and permitted to use e-wallets.

The central bank deferred to Congress on whether to pursue a ban, while Pagcor advocated for strict regulation rather than outright prohibition.