Philippine lawmakers are increasingly becoming vocal about their dissatisfaction with what they see as “inadequate measures” being taken by both the government and e-wallet platforms to rein in the widespread proliferation of online gambling promotions and activities in the country.
A growing chorus from both the Senate and the House of Representatives is demanding immediate and decisive action, with some even advocating for an outright ban on internet-based gambling.
Manila 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Manila 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano have issued strong appeals for more decisive intervention from e-wallet companies and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Senator Gatchalian specifically singled out leading e-wallet providers, including GCash, Maya, and Coins.ph, stating they hold considerable responsibility in protecting Filipinos, particularly younger individuals, from online gambling’s allure.
“GCash’s current restrictions on e-gambling ads are insufficient,” Gatchalian declared, speaking in Filipino. “With millions of Filipinos using e-wallets and how easily accessible these platforms are, companies like GCash, Maya, and Coins.ph must prioritize public welfare. They should cut all ties with online gambling — period,” he stressed.
“The consequences are no longer a joke,” the Senator further warned. “Every day, more Filipino families and young people fall into debt and addiction because of gambling — and e-wallets have become the gateway. Instead of profits, these companies should prioritize the well-being of the public.”
PAGCOR and Ad Standards Council executives during the signing of an MOU on the campaign to promote responsible gambling
Representative Valeriano, meanwhile, voiced concerns that online gambling advertisements are proliferating without adequate control across a diverse range of platforms, from messaging applications and mobile games to video streaming services and even public transit. “The Ad Standards Council and PAGCOR may not even be aware of how pervasive these ads are. They also appear inside buses, PUJs, taxis, and other public vehicles,” Valeriano pointed out.
Citing frustration with what he perceives as lax enforcement, Valeriano renewed his appeal for a comprehensive legislative ban on online gambling through House Bill 1455, also known as the Anti-Online Cockfighting and Gambling Act. He asserted, “Only a total ban will deliver the strongest impact. Once enacted, online gambling will be forced into the dark web and offshore sites — where international enforcement can take over.”
He also urged public backing for the measure, stating, “I urge the public to support HB 1455. Together, we can protect Filipino families from the devastating effects of online gambling.”
Calls for accountability and stricter e-wallet regulation mounts
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano added his voice to the growing legislative pressure, calling on financial technology companies to accept immediate responsibility. “A bit of advice to e-wallets: Help the country. Don’t let your platforms be used for gambling,” Cayetano urged during a Facebook live session, suggesting that these highly profitable entities could self-regulate rather than awaiting official guidelines.
Senator Cayetano voiced strong support for the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Advertisement Act of 2025, a measure designed to ban gambling promotions across all media. He also co-authored the Ban on Online Gambling Act with his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano.
Furthermore, Senator Risa Hontiveros introduced a bill that would prevent individuals under the age of 21 from accessing online gambling platforms and outlaw their advertisement in public areas, traditional media, and social media.
Emphasizing the significant human toll, Hontiveros stated, “A lot of our compatriots are now drowning in debt due to e-gambling, which e-wallets have made easily accessible. For some, it meant their lives, because only one click is needed.”
Her proposed legislation also mandates that PAGCOR establish betting and loss limits, triggering temporary account suspensions, and recommends a minimum 10 percent tax on gross online gambling revenues. This revenue would then fund addiction treatment and rehabilitation, public awareness campaigns against gambling, and enhanced monitoring and enforcement initiatives.
PAGCOR’s stance: Regulation over outright ban
In response to these growing calls for a ban, PAGCOR has indicated its preference for stricter regulation over an outright prohibition of online gambling. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, in a recent interview, asserted that “Pagcor’s current stand is not a total ban, but stricter regulation.” While recognizing the right of lawmakers to propose legislation deemed beneficial to the public, PAGCOR affirms its “full commitment” to controlling illegal online gaming, actively coordinating with various government bodies and private organizations to counter illicit platforms.
Underscoring ongoing efforts, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro recently disclosed that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in collaboration with PAGCOR, has successfully disabled 7,000 unauthorized gambling websites. Castro further cautioned the public against patronizing or participating in illegal online gambling platforms.
Despite PAGCOR’s stated preference for regulatory measures, the legislative momentum for a complete ban persists, underscoring a deepening divergence on the most effective strategy to tackle the increasing issues linked to online gambling across the Philippines.
