Cardinal David rejects PAGCOR’s push for online gambling

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio 'Ambo' David rejected PAGCOR's position on regulating online gambling, arguing that its social costs outweigh potential government revenues.

David criticized PAGCOR chief Alejandro Tengco for defending the legalization of online gambling based solely on revenue generation, comparing it to legalizing illegal substances like shabu and questioning how regulators can control digital natives' access.

At a recent conference in Manila, David emphasized that addiction to online gambling is closely linked to social media addiction and can destroy families through debt and affect young people's social skills.

The cardinal urged the government not to regulate something criminal just for revenue generation, stating that addiction to online gambling is inherently illegal and harmful, likening it to modern-day slavery.

PAGCOR reported earning more than P100 billion from online gambling, employing around 32,000 people in various industries, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to issue an official stance on whether he will impose a ban.