Advocacy groups oppose Konektadong Pinoy Bill over online gambling fears

Two advocacy groups, Citizens Crime Watch Internationale (CCWI) and Scam Watch Pilipinas, have voiced strong opposition to the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Bill, fearing it could increase online gambling and compromise digital security.

The groups are concerned that the bill might relax regulatory safeguards, allowing less scrutinized digital service providers, including those with foreign backing, to operate.

CCWI founder Michelle Botor warned that the legislation could inadvertently facilitate easier market entry for unregulated e-gaming operators through new, unmonitored digital infrastructure.

Botor highlighted that without robust vetting and filtering mechanisms, the bill poses national security risks and could lead to a surge in access to illegal online gambling platforms.

These platforms are often used to lure individuals into fraudulent schemes, contributing to digital addiction, debt, and the involvement of minors in illegal gambling.

The advocacy groups argue that increased digital access coupled with weak filters could normalize gambling behaviors among the youth and vulnerable populations if the Konektadong Pinoy Bill is passed.