MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to a proposal from the Department of Finance (DOF) to impose taxes on online gaming platforms as part of efforts to curb gambling addiction and crack down on illegal gambling sites, Malacañang said Monday.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro said the proposal, which includes restrictions on online gaming, aims to protect Filipino families from the social consequences of gambling.

“Ang proposal po na ito ng DOF na magkaroon po ng tax para po marestriktuhan ang mga online gaming ay para naman po sa ikabubuti ng pamilyang Pilipino,” Castro said.

While no formal position has yet been made, Castro noted that President Marcos is not opposed to the measure as long as it is backed by sufficient research and safeguards.

“Batid po ng Pangulo ang maaaring mangyari sa mga gumon sa sugal, at hindi niya naman po tututulan basta po may sapat na pag-aaral,” she added.

The DOF’s proposal includes not only taxation but also enhanced regulations such as limiting playing time, restricting cash-in amounts, and requiring warning messages on gambling risks. The department also proposed banning government officials from participating in online gambling.

Castro emphasized that if the tax measure pushes through, the administration will intensify its crackdown on unregistered or illegal online gaming sites.

“Paiigtingin po lalo ang paglaban sa mga illegitimate o iyong mga hindi tama or hindi rehistradong mga online gaming sites,” she said.

She added that the government remains open to all policy suggestions and legislative proposals to help prevent gambling addiction and minimize its impact on society.

“Gusto nating limitahan ang ganitong klaseng mga pagsusugal… at ang lahat ng puwedeng suggestion at maaaring batas para ito ay masawata, hindi naman po iyan tututulan ng ating Pangulo,” Castro said.

The Palace statement follows increasing legislative attention to the proliferation of online gambling, with several lawmakers pushing for bans or tighter restrictions on both offshore and local digital gambling platforms.