MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned the public about the ill effects of online gambling addiction and how it could negatively affect Filipino families.
In his vlog released Sunday, Marcos acknowledged how modern technology has improved day-to-day living. Digitalization is a cornerstone of his administration’s Bagong Pilipinas vision, which drives reforms across key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, and trade.
However, while technology can significantly ease government processes, curb corruption, and expand access to quality services, the President said it can also be manipulated by unscrupulous people to prey on others.
Apart from the proliferation of scams and disinformation, the digital landscape also made gambling more accessible.
“One of the things digitalization has made easier is gambling. Many families are being destroyed by it, especially when used irresponsibly,” he said in Filipino.
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“Technology is here to make our lives easier… to strengthen the Filipino family. Not to destroy us,” he added.
His remarks came amid calls for a total ban on online gaming to protect the public, especially the youth.
In a separate interview, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said that Malacañang is still in the process of studying the matter.
He said that while “the policy remains the same” when it comes to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that Marcos ordered totally banned last year, a broader review is needed for other forms of online gaming that are not linked to scams or online fraud.
“We are still looking into it because we have to see all the ramifications that gaming of that method may be allowed to operate,” Bersamin said.