Tulfo leads Senate probe on online gambling, seeks full ban

Senator Erwin Tulfo announced on Wednesday that he will lead a Senate investigation into online gambling in the Philippines and expressed confidence in securing a firm position against it.

Tulfo, chairman of the Senate games and amusement committee, plans to invite PAGCOR and DOF for hearings starting early next week and has called for stronger safeguards to prevent easy access to gambling, including by minors. He also wants to include e-wallet service providers, telecommunications companies, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, NBI, and PNP in the probe.

Several senators, including Juan Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, Raffy Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Pia Cayetano, Robin Padilla, Joel Villanueva, Bato dela Rosa, Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, have shown support for banning online gambling.

Tulfo criticized the approach of government agencies that favor tighter regulations over a complete ban, arguing that regulation may drive more gambling operators underground, citing the case of illegal activities by offshore gaming operators or POGOs. He also emphasized businesses' social responsibility and asked telcos to help address the problem.

The senator also questioned whether law enforcement could effectively enforce a total ban and stressed how online gambling has torn families apart, driven children to drop out of school, and left many deep in debt.