The Philippine Senate is set to hold a public hearing next week to investigate the proliferation of online gambling in the country, amid growing concerns over its social impact and mounting calls for a total ban.
The Senate action follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s decision not to take a stance on online gambling during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), which took place on Monday.
The issue drew renewed attention after footage circulated of a congressman watching e-sabong—online cockfighting—on his phone during a legislative session. The incident prompted public criticism and further fueled the debate over the normalization of gambling in official and public spaces.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, newly appointed chairman of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, announced on Wednesday that he will lead the inquiry. Key government agencies—including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Department of Finance (DOF)—will be summoned. Representatives from youth groups, religious and academic institutions, and parental organizations will also participate.
While the investigation aims to gather a range of perspectives on regulation versus prohibition, Tulfo has already expressed a preference for a total ban. He cited the widespread accessibility of online gambling platforms, particularly through digital payment apps, as a major concern. According to the senator, current systems fail to prevent underage users from participating, raising alarms about inadequate controls and oversight.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has also taken a firm stance against online gambling. In a recent session, he criticized the omission of the issue from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address and reiterated his call for a bill that would ban all forms of digital betting. Zubiri warned that the harms of gambling—including debt and addiction—now outweigh any potential fiscal benefits.
Several senators, including Loren Legarda, Raffy Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Pangilinan, have expressed support for tougher measures. Some advocate for enhanced regulation, while others back legislation that would outlaw online gambling entirely.
The upcoming Senate hearing will serve as a platform for stakeholders to present data, arguments, and proposed safeguards. Its outcome could significantly shape future policymaking, with broad implications for both the gaming industry and public health.
Fintech firms urged to block online gambling
Separately, the push for action has extended beyond legislative measures. On Thursday, Senator Erwin Tulfo called on financial technology companies to voluntarily restrict access to online gambling on their platforms, framing it as a matter of corporate and social responsibility.
He urged major firms such as GCash and PayMaya to act ahead of legislation, warning that online gambling has become a national crisis. Tulfo emphasized that large companies have a duty to safeguard public welfare, especially as digital platforms become increasingly embedded in daily life.
He also raised concerns about the widespread promotion of gambling content across apps and social media, arguing that it contributes to the normalization of harmful behavior. Tulfo further voiced concern that government assistance programs, such as the 4Ps aid (The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a conditional cash transfer program and the Philippine government’s primary poverty reduction strategy), could be misused for gambling.
