In the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of 2025, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not mention the controversial issue of online gambling, sparking heated discussions across all sectors of society. The Presidential Palace later clarified that the President was not deliberately avoiding the issue, but was still comprehensively assessing the impact of online gambling on the nation before making a final decision.
Vice Secretary of Presidential Communications Claire Castro stated that Marcos is listening to different opinions from the cabinet, particularly focusing on the dual impact of online gambling on people's livelihoods and national tax revenue. She emphasized that the spread of illegal online gambling platforms is the most serious issue at present, as they are unregulated and pose addiction risks to the youth, calling for strengthened regulation and compliance while preserving legal operations.
However, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines expressed strong disappointment that the President did not make a clear stance in the SONA. Father Cecillano of the Public Affairs Committee of the Bishops' Conference stated that online gambling is destroying family structures and social values, and the government should not continue to remain silent.
Several members of Congress have responded to the church's call, advocating for a complete ban on online gambling. However, the Department of Finance and PAGCOR insist that online gambling is crucial for fiscal revenue, generating over $2 billion in the first half of 2025, accounting for 53% of total gambling revenue, and supporting a large number of jobs.
The issue of online gambling is becoming increasingly complex, involving huge financial interests as well as touching on the moral baseline of society. To ban or not to ban? The Marcos administration has not yet made a decision, and the future of Philippine gambling policy is still in the balance.
