Solons ask: Shut down illegal online gambling sites
MANILA, Philippines — At least two House members have called for a probe on the proliferation of illegal online gambling sites, urging the government to work together to take these sites down.
In a statement on Wednesday, Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Robert Nazal said that no new law is needed to go after illegal gambling sites because concerned government agencies — like the Department of Justice and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)—can block websites already.
Nazal said this after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) identified over 100 illegal online gambling operators.
“Shutting down these illegal gaming and betting entities does not need any new law from Congress. Actions against them must be taken now,” Nazal said.
READ: CBCP call, proposed curbs put PH e-gambling under scrutiny
“Pagcor said many of the illegal operators are based overseas. The NTC and the Department of Justice have enough powers to block their websites, broadcasts, and mobile apps. The Department of the Interior and Local Government must order all the governors and mayors to raid every illegal gaming operation, whether online or onsite,” he added.
According to Nazal, the Department of Education must also ensure that on-campus internet will block online gambling apps and websites.
“The Department of Education must make sure that on-campus internet and computers in public and private schools are not used to access online gambling apps and websites,” he said.
“The BSP must order all banks, electronic wallets, and e-payment entities to block all online gambling. Both the online gaming operators and gamblers have found ways to circumvent the “know your customer” measures of e-wallets and e-payments. The BSP and banks should be aware of this and execute effective countermeasures,” he added.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list Rep. Brian Poe meanwhile filed a resolution asking government agencies to curb “illegal online gambling activities and safeguard citizens from their potential harms.”
“It’s about time we began investigating the crippling effects of online gambling on society, especially illegal or unregulated online gambling,” Poe said.
Sharp rise in gambling-related debt
“Reports indicate a sharp rise in gambling-related debt, family strife, school dropouts, and mental health issues linked to unregulated online platforms,” he added.
There have been calls to either totally ban online gambling or limit access to it, as even young Filipinos and low-income earners are able to make bets by cashing-in amounts as low as P50 through e-wallet applications.
In separate statements last Thursday, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon and Akbayan party-list Reps. Chel Diokno and Percival Cendaña called on the government to protect vulnerable sectors from gambling.
Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said on Monday that he prefers to have all online gambling games banned due to the social cost that it brings—like reinforcing addiction and mental health issues.
The lawmakers’ concerns came after Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David last June 30 called out the government for failing to protect Filipinos, particularly the youth, from becoming “gambling addicts.”
However, neophyte lawmaker Negros Occidental Rep. Javi Benitez warned on Tuesday that imposing a total ban on online gambling games might only result in a shift to underground operations, aside from displacing thousands of workers.
READ: Banning online gambling could send it underground – Benitez
40,000 Filipinos
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Benitez said an outright ban of gambling would affect over 40,000 Filipinos who depend on legal gambling platforms as a livelihood, while also hitting much-needed revenues that the games bring to the government.
“Moreover, regulated online gambling generates more than P200 billion every year. That money doesn’t vanish, it goes directly into hospitals, schools, infrastructure projects, community programs, and social services that improve our daily lives. In fact, DigiPlus alone reported paying P33.7 billion in taxes, funding critical public services,” he added.
Instead of a total ban, Benitez said he agrees with proposals for stricter regulations, to ensure that Filipinos would be protected from gambling addiction.
“I fully support stricter regulations. Smarter, tighter controls to protect citizens and maximize public benefit. But outright bans only make matters worse,” he said. /cb
