By: Nino Aclan
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday reiterated his call to halt all forms of gambling in the country, particularly online gambling, e-sabong, and the controversial operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“Ako yung siguro pinaka-outspoken, even when I was (House) Speaker, against all forms of gambling especially online e-sabong and POGO,” Cayetano said as he addressed the media on July 18, 2024.
“That’s why, to this date, the city of Taguig did not allow any POGO operations. It’s because, now, it’s just like legal gaming forms – parating may unintended consequences yan,” he added.
Two years ago, Cayetano filed the Anti-Online Gambling Act (Senate Bill No. 63) to prohibit gambling activities on the internet and impose penalties on online wagering and betting.
This bill was discussed during the public hearing by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means last Tuesday on improving the country’s regulation of online gambling, alongside a bill filed by Committee chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to repeal the law taxing POGOs, ultimately rendering them illegal in the country.
In the media interview, Cayetano said his opposition to POGOs is grounded on both economic and moral reasons, arguing that the negative social impact of POGOs far outweighs any supposed economic benefits.
“Of course, ang argument pa rin ng PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) ay y’ung revenues. Hindi natin kinukwenta kung magkano ba ang ginagastos natin sa peace and order. Magkano ba yung nawawala sa scams o panloloko?” he said.
Turning to online gambling in general, Cayetano cited growing concerns over its impact on Filipinos and the generations to come.
“Ano ba y’ung tinatanim natin sa next generation? Wala pa akong country na nakikita [na tumatangkilik] sa mga online gaming na talagang umunlad,” he said.
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