SEN. Juan Miguel Zubiri is pushing for a total ban on online gambling under a bill that he filed yesterday.
Zubiri said online gambling should be banned, pointing out that it is a growing “silent epidemic” that is harming Filipinos, especially minors and the most vulnerable.
Under his proposed bill, Zubiri wants a total ban on all forms of local and offshore online gambling using digital betting platforms and websites.
“The issue is further exacerbated by rapid technological advancements and the lax identity verification systems of online platforms. The lapses on the implementation of rules and regulations of such institutions allow users, particularly minors, to easily fake their personal information, granting them unrestricted access to gambling websites and applications. Consequently, children are prematurely exposed to the societal ill of addiction,” he said in the bill’s explanatory note.
He said that while the government has banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) due to its social ills, online gambling is “more dangerous and a fearsome potential social menace.”
He acknowledged that if online gambling is banned, the government may stand to lose around P47 billion in annual earnings, but he said this is a “small amount” compared to the harm that it brings to Filipinos.
Under Section 4 of Zubiri’s proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, “online gambling is prohibited and declared unlawful in the Philippines” therefore, “it shall be prohibited for any person or entity to conduct or offer online gambling as defined under this law.”
Section 5, on the other hand, calls on internet service providers, mobile networks, and digital platforms to “ensure effective implementation of this Act” by limiting public access to online gambling platforms and applications.
It likewise states that internet service providers, mobile telco providers, digital platforms, and similar platforms operating within the country have the obligation to block or take down applications on the request of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation or the Department of Justice within 72 hours from official receipt.
Zubiri said first time offenders will be administratively fined not more than P20 million and their licenses suspended for six months, while second time offenders will be fined P50 million with their licenses suspended for one year.
Third and succeeding offenses will be meted a fine of P100 million with their licenses permanently revoked.
“The offender may be subjected to criminal prosecution under this Act, and the Chief Operating Officer or President of the company shall be penalized with imprisonment of not more than six years by the court,” he added.
Other senators have filed bills to regulate online gambling, including the one filed by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian which seeks to ban the use of e-wallets in online gambling; and Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano who are pushing a ban on all advertising, marketing, and promotions of all online gambling.
Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito on Monday called on the National Telecommunications Commission to consider blocking online gambling sites upon the request of individuals or families trying to recover or protect their loved ones from gambling addiction.
He also recommended a ban on e-wallets that serve as conduits which make it easier for individuals to engage in online gambling.
At the House of Representatives, Akbayan party-list Reps. Perci Cendaña, Jose Manuel Diokno and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill No. 1351 or the Kontra e-Sugal Act to restrict online gambling, while Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano filed a separate bill seeking to ban it.
The Akbayan lawmakers said in their bill that because of its accessibility, online gambling “poses unique and costly risks, not only for those who gamble but also their families, communities, and Philippine society.”
“The absence of regulatory controls has led to a rise of gambling-related problems, including financial meltdowns, family breakdowns, gambling addiction, depression, and other mental health issues. The Kontra e-Sugal Act of 2025 seeks to establish a framework to regulate online gambling in the Philippines (while being able to) safeguard public welfare, protect vulnerable groups, and ensure responsible gambling practices,” the bill said.
The bill also seeks to limit access to online gambling or casinos by adopting various measures such as the establishment of strict age verification protocols; prescribing limits on advertising and promotion; implementing a national- self-exclusion registry; and imposing betting loss limits.
“Presently, there is no law specifically regulating online gambling platforms in the country. The State, in the exercise of its inherent police power, must act decisively to protect the physical, mental, and social well-being of its citizens from the growing harms associated with online gambling. Hence, this proposed legislation,” it said.
For his part, Velariano said he filed his still unnumbered bill “to shut down the online gambling operators who prey like vultures and snakes on the poor with false hopes disguised as fun betting apps and easy techie get-rich-quick schemes.” “The predators who enrich themselves on the misery of the poor will face justice,” he said.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong expressed support for a total ban on online gambling, saying the social and psychological damage it causes “far outweighs any economic benefit.”
“Ako (To me), the negative effects outweigh the benefits. Ang akin lang talagang dapat i-ban ito (To me, it should really be banned) if you ask me personally because if you want to take down the evil tree, the bad tree, you don’t just trim the branches, you uproot it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malacañang yesterday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to measures seeking to curb gambling addiction and promote transparency among public servants but would still need to thoroughly study the proposed bills on taxing online gaming and waving the bank secrecy law for those in government.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the priority of the President is to protect and promote the public’s welfare.
Castro likewise acknowledged the proposal of the Department of Finance (DOF) to restrict online gambling, especially unregulated or illegal activities, in the country by imposing taxes.
“This is for the good of the Filipino families. The President is aware of what might happen to those who are addicted to gambling and he would not oppose it the imposition of taxes if it has been thoroughly studied,” she said in Filipino.
Castro added that regardless of the proposed imposition of taxes, the administration is intensifying its efforts against illegal or unregistered online gambling operations to address concerns on the rising addiction and its social costs.
“We want to limit this type of gambling and reduce the number of gambling addicts, and this is for the people, and all possible suggestions and laws to curb this, our President will not oppose,” she said.
Castro also said the President supports measures that would strengthen and promote transparency and accountability in government.
Castro made the statement following the proposed measure refiled by Senate President Francis Escudero that mandates all public officials and employees to waive their rights under Republic Act No. 1405, or the Law on the Secrecy of Bank Deposits, and Republic Act No. 6426, or the Foreign Currency Deposit Act.
“The President is in agreement that we must implement accountability and transparency in government. So we won’t be getting a negative answer from the President,” she said.
Under Escudero’s bill, government personnel —except those serving in an honorary capacity — shall be required to submit a written waiver authorizing the Office of the Ombudsman to examine their deposits and investments, including foreign currency accounts.
The move aims to boost anti-corruption efforts and bolster public trust in government institutions. – With Wendell Vigilia and Jocelyn Reyes
