A Philippine legislator has put forward a proposal for a law to outlaw all types of internet wagering in the nation.
Senator Joel Villanueva presented the proposal to the Philippine Senate. The proposal, titled the “Anti-Online Gambling Act,” is presently under consideration by the legislative committee.
Villanueva highlighted the critical need for the bill in his explanation, advocating for its swift approval.
“The detrimental impacts of gambling and internet gambling are too severe to overlook,” the explanation stated. “The cost of gambling is no longer confined to monetary losses but extends to the erosion of principles and lives.
“This proposal aims to prohibit online gambling and betting or wagering via the internet or any form of online gambling activity to prevent further decline in morals and values, encourage individuals to engage in work rather than relying on chance, curb addiction and safeguard lives.”
If enacted, the law would impose a maximum penalty of six months of confinement or a fine ranging from 100,000 Philippine pesos (£1,520/€1,737/$1,737) to 500,000 Philippine pesos for individuals who participate in online betting or knowingly receive online bets.
Organizations that breach the law will face a maximum of five years of imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 Philippine pesos for those accountable.
This legislation will take effect fifteen days after its publication in the Philippine Gazette, or fifteen days after its publication in at least two newspapers.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Justice will be responsible for ensuring compliance with this legislation within thirty days of its enactment.
Online gambling for Filipinos was only legalized last year, enabling online enterprises such as Okada Manila to commence operations.
However, the nation already possesses a substantial industry of offshore gambling companies that cater to customers from other nations, sometimes even from countries that prohibit online gambling, such as China. These companies, known as POGOs, have generated numerous issues. Last year, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) discovered a clear link between POGOs and human trafficking.
Last month, Alejandro Tengco, the newly appointed head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), announced that Pagcor is considering separating its role as a regulator from its role as a gambling enterprise.