Senator Erwin Tulfo confirmed that on Thursday, August 14, the Senate Committee on Games and Amusements will hold an inquiry into the negative effects of online gambling in the country.
In a statement from his office, Tulfo described the rising number of online gambling users as a “crisis” that demands immediate investigation and solutions.
“Sa Thursday, sasalang ang mga bills on online gambling sa Senate Committee on Games and Amusements. I made a commitment to prioritize these bills kasi lumalala ang problema. It’s a crisis na eh. So talagang kailangang aksyunan na ito to solve this problem,” Tulfo said.
While Tulfo has expressed his intent to push for a total ban on online gambling in the Philippines, he still wants to hear the side of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on the matter, including its potential economic impact.
“Ang problema natin, we are not ready. Walang regulation kaya walang habas ang pagsusugal ng mga tao. Walang kontrol kung magkano ang itataya. Bahala na yung buong suweldo, itataya. Kung ano ano ang ipupusta. Mga bata, nakakasugal na rin,” the senator stressed.
Tulfo currently chairs the Senate Committee on Games and Amusements, a position previously held by Senator Lito Lapid.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said he would review recommendations on the issue, noting that he was not yet convinced that a total ban is the ultimate solution.