The Senate is starting an official review to check how online gaming affects people in the Philippines.

Key Points

• The Philippine Senate leads an inquiry that looks into how online gaming is affecting every citizen living in the country.
• Senator Erwin Tulfo, who chairs the committee, wants a full ban and says the Philippines is not prepared for the effects online gaming brings.
• President Marcos plans to organise a special conclave that brings together different groups and experts to discuss the impact.

Senate Launches Investigation

The Senate committee on games and amusement has launched this inquiry, targeting the negative impact that online gaming brings to people in the Philippines. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that a multi-sectoral consultation, also called a conclave, will analyze the issue, with members such as religious leaders getting involved. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has already called for online gaming to be fully banned.

Industry Context and Recent Developments

This inquiry came soon after the PlaySafe Alliance was formed, bringing together 19 licensed operators with the main goal to fight illegal gambling through better cooperation. It also follows new payment rules set to control how much people can spend on online gaming activities. Speaking on the subject, Senator Tulfo announced: “On Thursday, the bills to regulate online gambling will be discussed. I promised that these proposals will be my priority since the situation is getting bad. This is now at a crisis stage.”

Social Concerns and New Advertising Rules

Tulfo laid out that not having regulation means people risk unsafe gaming, and this leads to more cases of addiction. He also stated: “People do earn, but social problems rise at the same time. Many become gambling addicts. The big question is: Is it better to have money, or to make sure young people have better futures?” New rules have also been introduced for advertising; the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Ad Standards Council (ASC) signed an agreement to push for responsible promotion of gaming content in the country.