Catholic Church in the Philippines Calls for Online Gambling Ban
The Catholic Church’s Stand on Online Gambling
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has recently become a vocal critic of online gambling in the country. They have urged the government to impose a full ban on the practice amid growing concerns about its social implications.
Concerns Raised by Church Leaders
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David has expressed alarm over the rapid spread of online gambling and the negative impacts it may have on society. The cardinal has described certain aspects of the gambling industry, particularly unlicensed operators, as exploitative, likening them to “modern-day slavery” due to reports of individuals being coerced into working under harsh conditions for minimal pay.
Opposition from Gambling Authorities
In response, Alejandro Tengco, chair of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has pushed back against calls for an outright ban. He emphasized that the industry plays a significant role in contributing to government revenue, job creation, and fostering innovation. Tengco argued that these benefits should be taken into account before considering any blanket prohibition.
The Church’s Rebuttal
Despite PAGCOR‘s economic arguments, Cardinal David maintains that financial gains do not justify legalizing activities that can lead to addiction and social harm. From the church’s perspective, the negative consequences of legalized gambling far outweigh any fiscal advantages.
Current Government Deliberations and Tech Industry Actions
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is reportedly contemplating whether to proceed with banning gambling altogether. In tandem, major technology firms like Meta have been actively combating illegal gambling advertisements by shutting down accounts that promote unlicensed gambling activities in the Philippines.
Calls for Balanced Regulation
Not all voices favor a complete ban. Lawmaker Joseph Bernos has advised caution against extreme measures, warning of unintended repercussions that could arise from a total prohibition. He advocates for strengthening regulatory mechanisms rather than eliminating the industry, highlighting the risk that a black market could flourish if the legal gambling market is dismantled.
Ongoing Debate Between Prohibition and Regulation
Despite differing opinions, the debate continues between those urging total prohibition, primarily led by the Catholic Church, and those advocating for pragmatic regulatory reforms to address the complexities surrounding online gambling in the Philippines.