The Senate will hold a public hearing next week to discuss online gambling. Sen. Erwin Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Games and Amusements Committee, promised to call a hearing to obtain opinions, studies, and data from various agencies such as PAGCOR and DOF.
In a press briefing, Tulfo said the hearing aims to determine the bad effects of online gambling, especially on youths. According to him, he personally wants to have a total ban and hopes to convince other members of the committee.
“If you ask me, I want to stop this online gambling,” Tulfo insisted.
While PAGCOR and DOF prefer strict regulation and higher taxes over a total ban, Tulfo said it is more dangerous because it could increase the number of illegal operators. He stressed that the law is difficult to enforce because even if caught by the police or NBI, the operation quickly returns.
Tulfo will also invite stakeholders, including youth, parents, schools and churches, to hear their views. According to him, if a total ban proves to be unfeasible due to government revenue, it still needs to be studied carefully.
“But if I am followed, I want this online gambling to stop,” he added.
Several senators have also filed bills to prohibit or restrict online gambling. One of them is Sen. Joel Villanueva who filed the Anti-Online Gambling Act, which is now among the Senate's top 10 priority bills.
