The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has criticized the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for the increase in online gambling, stressing that no regulatory actions can truly protect minors and vulnerable populations from its harmful consequences.
CBCP president Kalookan Archbishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David said that normalizing the issue of gambling merely intensifies the harmful consequences of this vice, leading to broken families, financial ruin, and addiction.
“Responsible online gambling is a contradiction in terms,” David wrote.
Earlier, PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco warned that a total ban could cost the state over P100 billion in revenue.
David said that the billions of pesos earned by the government from the industry come at a significant cost. The features that make online gambling extremely profitable — its 24/7 availability, anonymity, and easy access — also make it nearly impossible to safeguard minors and vulnerable sectors.
Meanwhile, Education Secretary Sonny Angara has called for tighter controls on online gambling platforms that could be luring some students and minors.
The education secretary raised concerns about how some minors could be using funds intended for school-related expenses to gamble online, a behavior he warned could have damaging long-term effects.
Angara emphasized the need for vigilance from both parents and educators in monitoring the activities of minors, particularly their digital behavior.
When asked whether he would support a ban or stricter measures against online gambling, Angara said he is for tighter regulations.
“Well, at the very least, strict regulation,” he said.
The CBCP has consistently voiced its opposition to celebrity endorsements and influencer promotions that glamorize gambling and appeal to younger audiences.
The Catholic Church also highlighted that the availability of online gambling turns homes into hidden gambling sites, removing the safeguards provided by conventional establishments.
While PAGCOR argued that banning online gambling would push it underground, the CBCP countered that this reasoning does not justify accepting vice for profit. Instead, the bishops called for stronger law enforcement, better digital literacy, and community support to address addiction.
The CBCP said it remains open to dialogue while calling for a change in policy that places human dignity above financial profit.
“What kind of future are we creating when we accept vice and present it as entertainment?” the bishops asked.
