Senators Back Online Gambling Ban
Senators Hail Government Crackdown on Online Gambling, Push for Total Ban
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MANILA – Senators are strongly endorsing the governmentS intensified efforts to curb online gambling, viewing the recent actions by various agencies as crucial steps toward protecting Filipinos, especially the youth, from its detrimental effects. Lawmakers are advocating for a complete prohibition of online gambling, citing its pervasive negative impacts on individuals and society.
BSP’s Payment Rule Tightening Hailed as “Monumental Step”
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has lauded the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for its decisive move to tighten payment rules for online gambling transactions. He described the new safeguards, which include daily transaction caps, time limits, and biometric verification, as a “monumental step” in safeguarding Filipinos from the perils of gambling addiction and financial ruin.
“The BSP’s decisive action to tighten online gambling payment rules is a monumental step toward the responsible use of digital services,” Gatchalian stated. “Daily caps, time limits, and biometric verification can help curb the alarming rise of gambling addiction, especially among the youth.”
Gatchalian is a principal author of a bill seeking to ban online gambling entirely. His proposed legislation also mandates the registration of gambling operators with the Anti-Money Laundering Council and incorporates robust financial safeguards to protect consumers.
Call for Unified Government Action
“All branches of government need to unite to suppress the plague of online gambling,” Gatchalian emphasized,underscoring the need for a concerted,multi-agency approach to combat the growing issue.
DICT and PAGCOR directives Praised for Protecting Vulnerable Sectors
Senator Pia Cayetano echoed Gatchalian’s sentiments, expressing strong support for the government’s crackdown. She specifically commended the Department of Information and Communications technology (DICT) for its directive to social media influencers to remove gambling-related content and for its collaboration with digital platforms to ensure compliance.
Cayetano also welcomed the philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) order to dismantle all gambling-related billboards and advertisements nationwide. She deemed this a necesary measure to counteract aggressive marketing strategies that often target the youth.
“These actions send the right signal – that promoting gambling is not acceptable, especially when it targets our most vulnerable sectors,” Cayetano remarked.
online Gambling as a “Silent Epidemic”
Describing online gambling as a “silent epidemic,” cayetano warned that the habit has insidiously infiltrated homes, educational institutions, and workplaces.
“Students are gambling away their allowances, employees are betting during work hours, and parents are left to deal with the fallout – broken trust, addiction, and mounting debt,” she elaborated, highlighting the widespread societal damage.
Cayetano has also filed a “ban on Online Gambling Act,” a thorough bill that aims to prohibit all forms of online gambling, restrict its promotion on social media, and block gambling transactions facilitated through e-wallets. The proposed law also includes provisions for public awareness campaigns on the risks associated with gambling.