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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Online gambling a greater social crisis than POGOs, says JV Ejercito

Online gambling a greater social crisis than POGOs, says JV Ejercito

Published Jul 7, 2025 03:03 pm

At A Glance

  • The senator said online gambling is a growing social crisis luring Filipinos who are struggling financially.
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito urged authorities to implement stricter regulations on online gambling saying its negative impact on the lives of ordinary Filipinos is dangerously high than the effect of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Ejercito said online gambling is a growing social crisis luring Filipinos who are struggling financially.
“Sa POGO, kadalasan dayuhan ang biktima. Pero sa online gambling, mismong mga kababayan natin ang tinatamaan, mga manggagawa, mga magulang, pati kabataan. Mas masahol ito dahil tayo mismo ang unti-unting nasisira (Foreigners are usually the victims of POGOs. But in online gambling, our citizens themselves are affected, ordinary workers, parents, even the youth. This is more risky because it is destroying us directly slowly),” Ejercito said.
He also raised the alarm on the silent spread of online gambling platforms that are accessible 24/7 via smartphones.
The lawmaker emphasized that the societal cost of online gambling is dangerously high, ranging from broken families and mounting debt to its damaging effects on mental health, especially among the youth.
He said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) should consider blocking online gambling sites upon the request of individuals or families trying to recover or protect their loved ones from gambling addiction.
Ejercito also expressed alarm on the increasing exposure among minors, noting that many gambling apps are hidden in plain sight within entertainment or gaming platforms. 
“Halos wala nang limitasyon ang access. Isang pindot lang, kahit sino pwedeng magsugal (There’s almost no limitation to access. Just one click anyone can gamble),” he lamented.
To put a stop to online gaming addiction, Ejercito proposed a ban on e-wallets that serve as conduits and which encourages and make it easier for individuals to engage in online gambling. 
“Sa panahon ng krisis, nauuto ang tao ng mga pangakong instant pera. Pero ang kapalit ay utang, kahihiyan, at pagkawasak ng pamilya (During times of crisis, people are fooled into promises of instant money. But in exchange is debt, shame, and destruction of family),” he said. 

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