The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) slammed the widespread rise of online gambling, calling it a “bagong salot”(new plague) that is causing deep moral and social crises across the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 8, the bishops likened online gambling to a virus that is quietly spreading and destroying individuals, families, and communities.

They warned that what may appear to be harmless entertainment is actually a force of addiction and destruction, especially among the youth and the poor.

“Kami po ay lubos na nababahala sapagkat tila may bagong salot o virus na sumisira sa mga indibidwal, pamilya at lipunan (We are deeply concerned because there seems to be a new plague or virus destroying individuals, families, and society),” the statement read.

CBCP expressed alarm over how digital technology has transformed gambling into a 24/7 temptation. With one tap, users can bet and lose money instantly through online platforms, often linked to bank accounts or e-wallets.

The bishops highlighted that these systems are specifically designed to be “kaakit-akit” (enticing), especially to the youth.

“Ang mga sugal sa internet ay hindi inosente. Ito ay sinadyang maging kaakit-akit (Online gambling is not innocent. It is deliberately made to be enticing),” CBCP said.

According to the bishops, digital gambling has already caused widespread harm.

“Ito ang mga naririnig natin tungkol sa pagkalulong sa sugal: ‘Ubos palagi ang sahod ko...Nagsinungaling na naman ako sa pamilya ko...’Yung pambili ng gamot at pagkain, naubos sa sugal ni tatay...Nalubog na ang kapatid ko sa utang...Nasira ang pamilya namin dahil sa sugal...Hindi ko na alam kung paano titigil...Hindi ko namalayan na ang mga anak ko ay addicted na pala sa online gambling...Apektado na ang kanyang mental health (People struggling with gambling addiction shared painful confessions such as, ‘My salary is always gone… I lied to my family again…The money meant for food and medicine was spent on Dad’s gambling…My sibling is drowning in debt…Our family was torn apart because of gambling…I don’t know how to stop…I didn’t realize my children were already addicted to online gambling…His mental health has been affected),” they said.

As shepherds entrusted with the care of people and their dignity, CBCP said they must raise their voices and call attention to this issue.

“Malinaw na ang online gambling ay hindi na simpleng libangan lamang. Isa na itong malalim at malawak na suliraning moral, na nakakubli sa anyo ng libangan at teknolohiya. At kahit ito' y inaangkin na ‘karapatang pantao,’ hindi pa rin nangangahulugang tama ito, lalo na kung ito naman ay nagbubunga ng kapahamakan sa mismong tao. Ang pagkasugapa sa online gambling ay isang anyo ng pagkaalipin (It is clear that online gambling is no longer simple entertainment. It has become a deep and widespread moral problem, disguised as leisure and technology. Even if it is claimed as a ‘human right,’ it does not mean it is right, especially when it causes harm to the person. Addiction to online gambling is a form of enslavement),” the bishops said.

They cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which warns that gambling becomes morally unacceptable when it deprives people of their basic needs or enslaves them through addiction.

“Ang sugal ay mali kung ito ay nagdudulot ng pagkalulong o pagkaubos ng dapat ay para sa pangangailangan ng pamilya (Gambling is wrong when it leads to addiction or the loss of what should have gone to family needs),” CBCP said.

The bishops called on government leaders to regulate online payment systems and digital platforms to prevent easy access to gambling sites.

They appealed to legislators and local officials to ensure that the public good, particularly the interests of families and youth, is the top priority in any decision involving gambling permits or laws.

They also urged the media and advertisers to stop romanticizing gambling and instead tell the truth about its consequences.

They asked regulatory bodies like PAGCOR to protect citizens, not exploit them for revenue.

Parishes were also encouraged to actively support those struggling with addiction, rather than remain quiet in the face of suffering.

Moreover, CBCP reminded all Filipinos to reflect on the long-term consequences of normalizing gambling.

The bishops emphasized that the Church does not condemn those struggling with addiction and instead offers guidance, healing, and hope, acknowledging that addiction often arises from deeper wounds that need care rather than judgment.

“Ang inyong pinagdadaanan ay hindi kahinaan lang ng loob… Binabago ng sugal ang pag-iisip, ginugulo ang wastong pagpapasya, at ninanakaw ang kapayapaan ng ating kalooban (What you’re going through is not just weakness… Gambling rewires thinking, distorts judgment, and steals inner peace),” CBCP said.

It encouraged those who are struggling to seek support and reminded them of Christ’s invitation to freedom.

“Kapag pinalaya kayo ng Anak, kayo'y tunay na magiging malaya (If the Son sets you free, you will truly be free),” it said.

As the country celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope, the bishops urged Filipinos not to remain indifferent to the devastation caused by online gambling.

They called on every citizen, especially Christians, to stand up, speak out, and help lead others back toward dignity, responsibility, and true freedom.