Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima wants a total ban on all forms of online gambling.
“Clearly, online gambling is a growing menace that should be stopped and banned immediately. What are (we) waiting for? The damage on the family is getting worse because of online gambling? What date is it now? Stop it,” De Lima said.
The former senator and justice secretary expressed her disappointment over President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s failure to address the online gambling crisis during his most recent State of the Nation Address amid the growing clamor against it.
De Lima earlier filed House Bill No. 2129 or the Anti-Online or E-Gambling Act seeking the prohibition of online gambling.
Her proposed measure shall mandate relevant government agencies to conduct an all-out crackdown on illegal platforms and activities related to online gambling, similar to what the government did to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
Responding to the argument that online gambling provides billions in government revenue, De Lima reiterated that earnings from this industry are worthless if they come at the cost of ruining Filipino families, mental health of individuals, the future of our youth, and the moral fiber of our nation.
“It will be difficult to regulate online gambling as Filipinos, especially the youth, have easy access to technology and digital applications catering to these games. We need to put teeth into the law,” she said.
