Philippine Senator Calls for Ban on All Forms of Online Gambling
Philippine Senator Joel Villanueva is urging the Senate to pass Senate Bill 1281, which seeks to prohibit all forms of online gambling in the country, including the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). In a statement, Senator Villanueva emphasized the need for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) to take action in shutting down POGOs and online gambling activities due to their association with crimes such as torture, kidnapping, murder, and human trafficking.
Senator Villanueva criticized Pagcor for failing to ensure that POGO operators conduct their business operations ethically. The regulator has acknowledged that some former POGO licensees have engaged in tax evasion, illegal employment practices, and failure to pay proper fees. Despite implementing new regulations for POGOs, now referred to as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), Pagcor has faced criticism for not effectively monitoring the sector.
Senate Bill 1281, submitted by Senator Villanueva in September 2022, calls for the prohibition of online gambling and placing wagers through the internet. The bill proposes penalties of up to six months in prison or a fine of up to PHP500,000 (US$8,527) for individuals involved in online gambling activities. Senator Villanueva also called on Pagcor to investigate other forms of online gambling accessible via mobile devices.
Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco defended legitimate offshore gaming operators, highlighting their contribution of over PHP5 billion (US$85.2 million) to Pagcor’s gross revenues in 2023. Another Senate member, Sherwin Gatchalian, has also filed a bill seeking to outlaw offshore gaming operators in the country.
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment expressed concerns about the potential impact of a ban on offshore gaming operators, stating that around 22,000 Filipino workers in legal offshore gaming companies in Metro Manila could lose their jobs. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma assured that the department is prepared to support affected workers in the event of a ban on online gaming operators.
