Senate urged to probe minors' access to online gambling

A resolution seeking to investigate the online gambling access of Filipino minors through under-regulated online and mobile platforms has been filed in the Senate.

Senator Manuel "Lito" Lapid filed proposed Senate Resolution 963 as he stressed the government's duty to take a protective stand in ensuring that the Filipino youth are "not unduly exposed to the negative effects of gambling."

"While the Senate recognizes the economic gains brought about by gambling operations in the Philippines and around the world, it should not come at the cost of our youth," Lapid said in PSR 963.

"One way to protect the Filipino youth is to examine seemingly harmless platforms such as social media sites...and payment hubs, and the like to ensure that they are not being misused for illegal online gambling activities. Sufficient safeguards and programs must be in place to prevent Filipino children from being lured and victimized by online gambling," he added.

In pushing for the investigation, Lapid emphasized that online gambling increases the risk of cybercrimes such as estafa and identity theft, and "the inexperience and naivete of our youth would make them much more vulnerable to these malevolent acts."

"There is [a] need to investigate the regulation of gambling activities and the platforms on which they are accessed to prevent the corruption of the youth towards the vice of gambling," Lapid said.

Related to this proposal, Senator Robin Padilla recently filed a bill seeking a ban on promoting gambling activities online.

The lawmaker said the proposed legislation is deemed instrumental to lessen, if not at all eliminate, the exposure and impact of gambling to the general public, especially the youth, that brings lasting damage to individuals, families, and even communities. — VBL, GMA Integrated News