The Philippines is confronting a significant rise in online gambling addiction, prompting government agencies, lawmakers, and religious organizations to implement measures aimed at mitigating its impact on public health and society.
In July 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) acknowledged the mental health implications of online gambling. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the need for regulation or a total ban on online gambling, highlighting its detrimental effects on individuals' well-being and professional performance. He noted instances where individuals, such as bus drivers, experienced sleep deprivation due to gambling, leading to accidents and fatalities.
Legislative bodies are also taking action. On July 14, 2025, Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry L. Ridon filed House Resolution No. 48, urging the government to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the escalating online gambling crisis. The resolution calls for stricter regulations, including prohibiting the use of e-payment platforms for online gambling transactions and banning related advertising across various media. Ridon emphasized the necessity of these measures to protect vulnerable sectors, particularly the youth and low-income families, from the adverse effects of online gambling.
Religious leaders have voiced their concerns as well. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has denounced online gambling as a "new plague" affecting Filipino families and communities. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, CBCP president, warned of the potential dangers, especially the risk of gambling addiction among young people, and called for urgent action to address the issue.
In response to the growing problem, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is collaborating with e-wallet companies to monitor and control online gambling activities. PAGCOR's assistant vice president for Gaming Licensing and Development, Vina Ocam, mentioned ongoing discussions to partner with e-wallet firms for responsible gambling campaigns and to monitor and block individuals involved in illegal gambling activities.
These collective efforts reflect a concerted response to the challenges posed by online gambling addiction in the Philippines, aiming to safeguard public health and uphold societal well-being.