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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Pagcor gambling addiction counseling programs must be free--Brian Poe

Pagcor gambling addiction counseling programs must be free--Brian Poe

Published Aug 24, 2026 08:11 pm

At A Glance

  • Rep. Brian Poe urged increased funding for mental health and anti‑gambling addiction programs under Pagcor, stressing the need for free services for Filipinos who cannot afford treatment.
  • Pagcor Chairman Alejandro Tengco said gambling‑related assistance is part of its responsible gaming programs, citing the Seagulls Flock Organization's 24‑hour call center, and committed to submit data on people who sought help.
  • Poe emphasized that government must strengthen efforts against gambling addiction as online gaming grows, requesting clearer accounting of Pagcor's programs and funding to assess resource needs.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Rep. Brian Poe (left), Pagcor logo (Contributed photo, Facebook)
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Rep. Brian Poe (left), Pagcor logo (Contributed photo, Facebook)


A vice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations is seeking increased funding for mental health and anti-gambling addiction programs under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), if only to ensure Filipinos can avail of them for free.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Rep. Brian Poe raised the matter during the budget hearing of gaming regulator Pagcor on Monday, Aug. 24 at the House of Representatives.
“I was hoping that Pagcor might have some mental health programs that they are funding or that they are supporting so that it could be free for our constituents who can't afford mental health services,” Poe said during the hearing held by the appropriations panel.
Pagcor Chairman Alejandro Tengco told Poe that assistance for gambling-related problems was part of the agency's responsible gaming programs.
He cited the Seagulls Flock Organization Inc., which operates a 24-hour call center for individuals experiencing gambling problems.
Tengco also committed to submitting a report to the panel detailing how many people who want to get rid of their gambling vice have sought help through the program.
Poe subsequently requested a copy of Pagcor's existing responsible gaming programs, as well as the number of people assisted and the amount of funding allocated to these initiatives.
The ranking solon also said the government must do more to address gambling addiction as online gaming becomes increasingly accessible.
“We do have a gambling addiction problem here in this country that we want to address,” Poe said.
“We want it to be responsible. We want it to be well-managed, but we also want people to have options so that if they want to stop this habit, they can seek help from the government.”
The Pangasinan-based lawmaker's call came as Pagcor discussed its broader contributions to nation-building programs, including school construction, patient transport vehicles, relief operations and medical facilities.
Poe said Pagcor should provide lawmakers with a clearer accounting of its existing programs and funding so Congress can assess whether or not additional resources are needed to help Filipinos affected by gambling addiction.

Related Tags

online gambling Brian Poe Alejandro Tengco Pagcor FPJ Panday Bayanihan
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