Senators, including Raffy Tulfo, are pushing for a complete ban on online gambling because they consider it an “epidemic” that affects the poor and the youth. In a press conference yesterday at the Senate in Pasay City, Tulfo stressed his alarm over complaints that bus and jeepney drivers are playing “scatter” while transporting passengers. This poses a security risk and further exacerbates their poverty.
Tulfo said he plans to file a bill to ban online gambling altogether, instead of regulating it. He said regulation will not stop people from finding ways to make a living or gamble online. He urged PAGCOR and the Advertising Board of the Philippines to immediately remove billboards and promotions of online gambling, before the August 15 deadline.
He explained that the lost revenue from the ban could be made up by realigning the budget for social welfare programs funded by online gambling revenue. Another step Tulfo promoted was the crackdown on online payment services such as digital wallets, to prevent the easy online betting.
Senators who oppose and call against online gambling include Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter Cayetano, Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Joel Villanueva.
