JV Ejercito: Durugin na ang illegal online gambling!
July 21, 2025
Senator JV Ejercito has urged an intensified nationwide crackdown against illegal online gambling, saying there should be a relentless effort until these operations are completely eradicated.
“Tuluyan na nating burahin ang operasyon ng illegal gambling. Paliitin natin ang kanilang mundo hanggang tuluyan na silang mapuksa,” Ejercito said.
“Hindi natin sila dapat bigyan ng puwang sa lipunan dahil sinisira nila ang pamilya Pilipino at kinabukasan ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang ating kabataan,” he added.
Ejercito called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), law enforcement agencies, and local government units to work closely in cracking down on all forms of illegal gambling within their jurisdictions.
“Nananawagan tayo sa DILG na kumilos na. Atasan ang mga local government unit—mga governor at mayor—na salakayin at ipasara ang mga ilegal na sugalan, online man o pisikal, sa kanilang nasasakupan,” he said.
He also urged the the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), e-wallet companies, and other financial service providers to take immediate action by cutting off access to online gambling platforms and closing any loopholes being exploited by operators and bettors.
“Mauutak ang mga operator at tumataya sa sugal. Kaya nga kahit mga menor de edad ay nakapapasok na. Walang silbi ang paalalang ’21 and above only’ kung hindi naman kayang ipatupad,” he said.
At the very least, Ejercito said the BSP can issue a circular imposing stricter regulations on these platforms to prevent minors from accessing online gambling services, which are often found under the “services” category in mobile phone applications.
He further called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to join forces in ensuring that licensed gambling operators are not covertly engaged in illegal activities.
“Sa tulong ng PAGCOR, mave-verify kung alin sa mga online gambling sites ang legal o hindi. Mula rito, maaari nang kumilos ang NBI para tuluyang matukoy at mapasara ang mga illegal na online gambling sites at mapanagot ang mga sindikato na nasa likod ng mga operasyon nito,” he added.
Ejercito stressed that while responsible gaming under strict regulation has a place in a modern economy, the rise of illegal and unregulated platforms, especially those targeting young people, poses a serious threat to families and communities.
“This is no longer just about vice, it’s a national concern that’s eroding values and draining resources from Filipino households. Huwag nating hayaang masira ng illegal online gambling ang ating lipunan at pamilyang Pilipino” he said.
