Cebu’s newly appointed Archbishop Alberto Uy has reached out directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calling for an immediate halt to online gambling across the country.
The prelate, appointed by Pope Leo XIV on July 16, emphasized that online gambling is causing significant distress to many Filipino families, especially the younger generation. The Archbishop’s appeal highlights the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable individuals from the negative impacts of online gambling.
In a statement, Uy appealed to the President to impose “a total and permanent ban” on online gambling in the country.
“Online gambling is a silent yet devastating storm that destroys lives, breaks families, and corrupts values,” Uy said. “Do not allow this poison to continue spreading into the homes, phones, and hearts of our people.”
“No amount of government income or corporate gain can justify the loss of human dignity, the breakdown of Filipino families, and the exploitation of the poor,” he added. Uy urged Marcos and lawmakers to prioritize the protection of families and human dignity over revenue and profit.
He also called on Filipino families to reject online gambling, support those struggling with addiction, and participate in community awareness and prayer campaigns.
The bishop’s appeal came about two weeks after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines raised the alarm on the rising use of e-wallets for gambling.
Uy is set to formally assume his new ministry as Archbishop of Cebu on Sept. 30, 2025, succeeding retired Archbishop Jose Palma.
