Top lawmakers on Thursday called for unified and decisive action against online gambling, warning that addiction cases are surging and regulations remain
The Senate Committee on Games and Amusement holds a public hearing on the effects of online gambling on August 14, 2025.
Hontiveros said her Kontra E-Sugal Bill aims to ban direct links between e-wallets or super apps and online gambling platforms to curb easy access to betting. Senate Committee on Games and Amusement chairperson Erwin Tulfo echoed her sentiments and issued a warning to BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan, threatening contempt charges if gambling app links remain on e-wallets after August 17.
“You circulated a proposal to the e-wallet companies and waited for their reply, then only today did you issue the order? Because there is a hearing today?” he asked. Meanwhile, Senator Rodante Marcoleta questioned whether regulators are prepared to enforce a total ban, noting that illegal gambling like jueteng has persisted for decades.
During the same hearing, Senator Joel Villanueva cited harrowing cases, including a woman who lost millions of pesos, sold her home, and maxed out credit cards due to addiction, as well as a 19-year-old student buried in more than half a million pesos in gambling debt. Senator Pia Cayetano framed the policy debate as a choice between banning and regulating online gambling, pointing to rising cases of debt-driven suicides, addiction, and mental health issues among the youth.
The senator stressed that e-wallet apps should be strictly regulated to prevent them from enabling gaming platforms, adding that their ease of access through GCash, Maya, and similar services fueled the rapid spread of online gambling. Gatchalian stressed that whether the responsibility lies with PAGCOR or the BSP, both have fallen short in addressing the risks.
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