The public outcry that ensued following a viral photo of a lawmaker allegedly watching “online sabong” while the House of Representatives was in session should serve as a motivation for the national government to further intensify the campaign against online gambling.

And the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said it is on the right track in totally eliminating online platforms of addictive games that includes “online sabong”.

CICC deputy executive director Renato Paraiso emphasized the need to end the online games as he described them as a growing threat to the country’s cybersecurity and social fabric.

“This is not just about gambling. This is about organized cybercrime, financial fraud, and the exploitation of digital loopholes that allow illicit activities to thrive. We are not merely condemning the act. We are acting decisively to root it out,” said Paraiso.

But Paraiso said the key factors in the campaign against online gambling platforms are stringent regulation, transparency, and accountability.

“The recent incident in the House proves one important thing - if we push for an outright prohibition, we risk driving even legitimate platforms underground. That would only lead to a prolonged cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and off-grid digital operators,” said Paraiso.

“A regulated, transparent system with the strictest rules and clear guardrail is the more effective deterrent,” he stressed.

Earlier, a photo of a lawmaker went viral and sparked criticisms from the netizens.

The CICC, according to Paraiso, sees the incident as a stark reminder of how deeply embedded unregulated online gambling has become, even within the country’s halls of power.

“We see this not only as a wake-up call but as a validation of our current strategy. Eradication efforts must focus on syndicates running illegal platforms, while also ensuring that regulated operations are fully compliant with the law,” he said.

Paraiso emphasized a strong support system against online gambling as he noted President Marcos directive to ramp up surveillance and digital forensics capabilities to combat evolving cybercrimes, with particular focus on online scams, child sexual exploitation, identity theft, and illicit online gambling.

He also urged lawmakers and regulators to work together in crafting a balanced legal framework that would penalize illegal actors without stifling innovation in digital entertainment and financial technology.

“This is no longer just a legal issue. It is a governance issue, an ethical issue, and a national security issue,” he said.