Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Wednesday expressed support for either a total ban or strict regulation of online gambling, citing its link to mental health problems.
“Many families have become or are addicted to gambling because it’s very accessible. Gambling is habit-forming and behavioral. Either ban or regulation is fine with me,” Teodoro said following his speech at a multisectoral forum in Taguig City.
He emphasized that the easy access to gambling through mobile phones and social media platforms fueled its widespread appeal and addictiveness.
Herbosa also noted that many Filipino families have been affected by gambling addiction, calling it a growing public health issue that requires policy intervention, either through regulation or prohibition.
Previously, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri sought a total ban on online gambling, calling it a “silent epidemic” hurting families and the youth. His bill, the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, would outlaw all digital betting platforms in the country.
Meanwhile, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian favors strict regulation over a full ban, with his version of a bill raising the gambling age, blocking e-wallet use, and funding addiction rehab centers using regulatory fees.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros also voiced her concern about online gambling’s mental health impact and expressed her support to stronger safeguards and public health solutions that protect minors and vulnerable groups.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo likewise blamed aggressive online ads for luring kids into addiction and plans to file a bill banning the practice.
