In 2024, Philippine President Marcos announced a comprehensive ban on offshore gambling (POGO), citing its involvement in transnational crimes such as kidnapping, money laundering, and illegal detention, which severely jeopardizes national security. However, a year later, despite the shutdown of POGO, domestic online gambling continues to develop, sparking strong criticism and calls: why ban foreign but not domestic?
The government acted swiftly in cracking down on POGO, deporting a large number of Chinese employees and sealing off gambling parks, earning considerable domestic and international praise. However, local online gambling platforms targeting Filipino players continue to expand, even infiltrating the youth. Some gambling apps disguised as game programs are rampant on minors' phones, creating new paths to addiction.
In response to this situation, Senator Zhang Qiaowei proposed setting recharge thresholds and banning the gambling industry from funding political activities, while Senator Ehecito pointed out that online gambling poses a deeper harm to the people, calling it the "new age addiction." Senate Majority Leader Zubiri further submitted a bill advocating for a comprehensive ban on online gambling, including apps, websites, and payment channels, advocating for hefty fines and criminal accountability.
Representative Zia Adion questioned: Since POGO can be banned, why not online gambling? He warned that online gambling is eroding the moral foundation of Philippine society. The Akbayan party group proposed the "Anti-Electronic Gambling Act," advocating for age thresholds, blocking mechanisms, and using tax revenues to support gambling addiction treatment.
Facing pressure, President Marcos expressed support for policies addressing gambling addiction and is willing to study enhanced regulation and tax increase schemes, but the government has not yet decided whether to completely ban online gambling.
As the July State of the Nation Address approaches, many legislators are voicing strongly, intending to push online gambling onto the national agenda. At this moment, the Marcos administration must choose between financial revenue and social ethics. The nation is eagerly awaiting his answer.
