On March 30, 2026, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) announced that its new payment structure for gambling fees will be postponed from April 2026 to June 2026...
Philippine President takes careful approach to the gambling reform
The Philippines’ President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr takes a cautious stance on the growing demand for online gambling reform, needing a thorough assessment.
Before considering any legal action, the President’s administration wants to weigh both the economic and social ramifications, including the possible ban on online gambling.
The announcement came after the President failed to mention online gambling during the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) and faced criticism from legislators.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded that the administration understands the urgency of the issue but prioritizes detailed analysis over immediate action. Castro emphasised that the government must differentiate between licensed and unlicensed platforms to effectively craft policy.
Calls for a total ban intensified as a rising number of Filipinos suffered harm from online gambling platforms. Regulators are also concerned about the growing intersection between online gambling, digital lending, and cybercrime.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva advised the Central Bank of the Philippines (BSP) to tighten its oversight over online financial services, especially lending apps, which are increasingly linked to illegal gambling activities and exploitative loaning practices. Villanueva mentions a dangerous cycle of financially distressed individuals, including overseas Filipino workers, turning to high-interest online lending platforms after losing money to online gambling.
He also points to the data by the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) that shows a strong relation between cybercrimes and the expansion of both digital lending and gambling platforms.
The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Chief General, Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., has ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group to improve efforts and investigations into criminal...
