The Senate is considering issuing a subpoena against Meta after the tech giant failed to attend a joint committee inquiry into the proliferation of online gambling.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, Chairman of the Committee on Games and Amusement, was visibly displeased Tuesday after receiving a letter from Meta public policy manager Genixon David. The letter expressed the company’s regrets and proposed a private meeting with Tulfo at a later date instead of attending the hearing.
“No, no, no. Why are they dictating this committee kung kailan sila attend? That’s not an excuse. Don’t force me, don’t force me, Meta, na i-subpoena ko pa kayo,” Tulfo declared during the session.
He underscored that the committee expected the attendance of major stakeholders amid the alarming spread of gambling-related content on social media platforms, including videos that allegedly direct viewers to betting links.
Tulfo called Meta’s absence a sign of disrespect to Congress.
“Kung wala ka respeto sa ibang committee, huwag mong gawin dito. Andaming kulungan niya sa ilalim. Pwede kitang ilagak diyan,” the senator warned.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros suggested that the panel issue a show-cause order to Meta Philippines to explain why it should not be subpoenaed. Tulfo agreed, saying it was necessary to compel the company to justify its non-appearance.
In its September 15 letter, Meta explained that its subject matter experts on gambling policies are based in Singapore and the United States and were unavailable due to prior commitments. The company assured its willingness to submit a position paper and hold a separate discussion on its policies regarding gambling and real-money gaming content.
Tulfo stressed the urgency of the probe, citing reports that 65% of Filipinos are exposed to online gambling. He said lawmakers must determine whether to ban online gambling outright or enforce stricter regulations, weighing the social costs against the revenues funneled into government programs like Universal Health Care and sports development.