Online gambling is destroying families, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his latest vlog. Thanks to technology and digitalization, it has become easier for Filipinos to get into online gambling. “Many families are being destroyed by gambling especially if it is not used in the right way,” Marcos said.
The President also said that technology should be used to facilitate government processes, improve education and health, and strengthen family livelihoods—not to destroy them. According to him, technology is also now being used in scams, fake news, and online gambling, which often victimize many people.
According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are now banned. However, the government is still studying other types of online gambling that do not involve fraud.
Several senators like Sherwin Gatchalian, Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Risa Hontiveros are calling for a total ban on online gambling. Gatchalian is already drafting legislation that would punish not only operators, but also endorsers and e-wallet providers.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte is also against online gambling, especially since it is easily accessible to the youth. According to her, it can cause addiction, debt, and family problems. She supports regulated gambling, as long as it is not easily accessible online.
