MANILA, Philippines — Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri is set to file the “Anti‑Online Gambling Act of 2025,” a measure that would outlaw all forms of online gambling accessible to Filipinos and impose heavy penalties on companies that ignore the ban.

Zubiri likened the threat of local online betting platforms to the now‑ejected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). “We already shut the doors on POGOs for the damage they caused. But an even more dangerous problem has crept into our homes: online gambling that targets our own people,” he said.

Calling online betting a “silent epidemic,” the senator warned that addiction now reaches even children. “Let’s not kid ourselves. Iba na ang itsura ng gambling addiction ngayon. Hindi na ito yung lulong ang isang tao sa casino o sa sabungan. It now looks like a kid with a phone under the covers at 2 a.m., losing the family’s grocery money on an online casino site,” he added.

Key provisions

• Total prohibition – Digital betting platforms, mobile apps and websites, whether locally based or offshore, would be barred from offering wagers to Filipino users.
• Blocking requirement – Internet service providers, mobile networks and digital platforms must block gambling sites and remove related apps within 72 hours of receiving notice from the Department of Justice or the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
• Payment cut‑off – Credit‑card firms, e‑wallets such as GCash and PayMaya, and other payment providers would be forbidden from processing gambling‑related transactions.
• Advertising ban – Entities that promote or advertise betting sites, including through influencer marketing or social media memes, would also be liable.

“Ang dami nating nakikitang ads ng online casino sa ating mga payment wallets. Ineendorso pa ng mga sikat na artista. Yung mga memes ng tinatawag nilang ‘scatter,’ makikita mo sa social media,” Zubiri said. “Ang kawawa dito ay hindi lamang yung mga adults na nalululong sa bisyo. Kasama pati ang ating mga kabataan. Children are learning to lie, to steal, to cheat just to fund their next bet.”

Penalties

Violators would face a minimum fine of ₱20 million and a six‑month license suspension on first offense. A second offense would draw at least ₱50 million in fines and a one‑year suspension, while a third violation carries a ₱100 million penalty, permanent revocation of the operator’s license and up to six years’ imprisonment for top executives.

“Ang masakit dito, mga bata na ang nahuhumaling. Madali para sa kanila na magpanggap ng edad, gumawa ng fake account at makapasok sa mga site na ito. There is something inherently wrong with the system, that is why I filed this measure to put an end to this once and for all,” Zubiri said.