CBCP calls for total ban vs online gambling; Malacañang ‘still considering’ effects

Danniell Domingo

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is doubling down on its call for a total ban on online gambling, as Filipino families fall into financial ruin due to gambling addiction.

Photo Courtesy of Vatican News.

During the 11th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization in Manila on July 18, 2025, CBCP president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said the billions the government earns from the industry come at too high a cost.

“Slavery is real. But I have good news for you: If slavery is real, so is the promise of freedom,” David said, citing online gambling to “modern-day slavery”. 

David revealed that Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chair Alejandro Tengco had responded in a letter defending online gambling’s contribution to government funds.

Tengco warned that a total ban could cost the state over Php 100 billion in revenue.

However, the cardinal rejected Tengco’s reasoning, as it can be compared to legalizing drugs for profit.

“So I responded, ‘Just legalize shabu (crystal meth). In that way, the government will still earn. Just legalize all other sources of addiction for Filipinos,” David said. 

The CBCP president insisted that online gambling is beyond regulation.

“I am sorry, but I do not agree that you can regulate something criminal. It (online gambling) is criminal through and through,” he added.

Pagcor has claimed that the sector employs over 32,000 directly, with thousands more supported through ancillary businesses.

In response, David questioned how regulators can realistically control access, especially among the youth.

“Really? Do you really believe that you can control digital natives from the way they access any application online? I do not know if that’s possible,” he said.

Digital trap

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a recent vlog on July 20, said that online gambling is destroying families due to technology and digitalization.

“Many families are being destroyed by it (online gambling), especially if it is used irresponsibly,” Marcos said. 

While acknowledging the benefits of digitalization, he warned that technology was now being used for scams, fake news, and online gambling.

In the works

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the administration is still reviewing the broader implications of banning all forms of online gambling.

“Well, the policy remains the same… the President is very strong about POGOs, banned na ‘yan,” Bersamin said. “We are still looking into it because we have to see all the ramifications that gaming of that method may be allowed to operate,”

Meanwhile, several senators have joined the call for either a total ban or strict regulations of online gambling in the Philippines.

President Marcos is set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28 at the Batasang Pambansa.