Ejercito calls for stricter regulation of online gambling
Provided by Philippine Daily Inquirer.
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. JV Ejercito on Monday called for urgent and stricter government regulation of online gambling, stressing that it now poses a greater danger than Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos).
He warned of the growing exposure of minors, noting that many gambling apps are disguised within entertainment or gaming platforms.
READ: Senators push laws vs online gambling
"There’s almost no limitation to access. In just one click, anybody can gamble," his statement reads.
“In Pogo, usually the victims are foreigners. But in online gambling, our very own fellow Filipinos are the ones being hit—workers, parents, [and] even the youth. This is worse because we are the ones gradually deteriorating,” he adds.
Ejercito emphasized that the societal cost of online gambling is alarmingly high, citing issues such as broken families, mounting debt, and its harmful effects on mental health, particularly among the youth.
He also proposed a ban on e-wallets that serve as conduits, enabling and encouraging individuals to participate in online gambling./mcm
(2025/07/07-11:06)
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