Malacañang on Tuesday said the Marcos administration is reviewing proposals to tighten policies and regulate the promotion of the online gambling industry, particularly on social media platforms.
“The President sympathizes with the families affected by this kind of gambling, especially when a member of the household becomes addicted,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing.
“The President is looking into this carefully to develop a more effective policy on online gambling,” she added.
Castro also reiterated the Department of Finance (DOF) proposal to raise taxes on online gambling platforms, which the Executive is seriously considering.
Asked about regulating social media influencers who promote online gambling platforms, Castro said the Executive is proceeding cautiously.
“We will study that because we don’t want it to be misinterpreted as curtailing freedom of expression,” she said.
“It’s something that will be reviewed to determine the proper course of action,” Castro added.
The Palace has yet to announce specific executive actions, but the administration signaled that it is open to both regulatory and legislative measures to curb the spread and influence of online gambling, especially as it continues to proliferate across digital platforms.
