Lawmakers push for House hearings on regulating online gambling

FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list Rep. Brian Poe and 1Tahanan Party-list Rep. Nathaniel Oducado have filed resolutions for House hearings to investigate the social issues surrounding the rise of online gambling in the Philippines.

Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Robert Nazal has called for immediate action against illegal online gambling sites, urging government agencies like the Department of Justice and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block these websites without waiting for new laws.

Rep. Poe highlighted reports indicating an increase in problems such as gambling-related debt, family conflicts, school dropouts, and mental health issues linked to unregulated online platforms.

Lawmakers have also expressed concerns about the social costs of online gambling, with some calling for stricter regulations rather than a total ban, while others like Negros Occidental Rep. Javi Benitez warned that an outright ban could result in underground operations and affect livelihoods.

The hearings will consider proposals for stricter regulations on online gambling, including age requirements, ID checks, restrictions on advertising and promotion, and the role of financial institutions and digital payment gateways in the spread of online gambling.