Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez finds it alarming that the country’s top celebrities and influencers are promoting online gambling.

Rodriguez spoke his mind on the hot topic in a privilege speech on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 5.

In particular, the veteran congressman expressed concerns over reports that children aged seven and eight have been able to enter bets on certain online gambling sites.

"What’s more alarming is how online gambling is promoted," Rodriguez said.

"We see celebrities, influencers, even beauty queens, endorsing apps like Bingo Plus, ArenaPlus, OKBet, and stake.com - enticing millions of Filipinos with promises of instant wealth," said the chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments.

"As of this year, over 15 top Filipino celebrities are directly or indirectly promoting gambling platforms, from Ivana Alawi to Vice Ganda to Alden Richards," Rodriguez said in his usual booming voice.

"These endorsements are often packaged as lifestyle content, making gambling appear harmless and aspirational," he noted.

Rodriguez frowned over his observation that "Behind the flashy promotions lie broken homes, ruined lives, exhausted savings, and shattered futures."

He said that a child only needs a mobile number and access to an e-wallet to become a bettor.

"And the platforms are everywhere. Through mirror links, Telegram groups, Facebook ads, and even disguised arcade apps, gambling has become omnipresent. Apps like Tongits Go, Color Game, and Piso Games are downloadable in seconds and often require no age verification at all," he said in his speech.

Rodriguez called on the government to protect Filipino children from this vice.

"I call on the government to launch a nationwide campaign for public awareness and recovery, to fund support groups, and to educate our people about the dangers of online gambling," he said.