MANILA — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero defended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to omit controversial topics, including online gambling, from his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying the President’s focus on social services should not be viewed as a missed opportunity.

“Minabuti ng Pangulo na tutukan lamang ‘yung social services. ‘Yun ang tila tema ng kanyang talumpati,” Escudero said in a press briefing.

He pointed out that with numerous legislators pushing for a variety of advocacies, it would be unrealistic to expect the President to tackle every issue in a single address.

“Gusto ba natin tatlong oras ‘yung SONA ng Presidente? Siguro may ibang pagkakataon na pwedeng matalakay pa ng Pangulo ‘yan pero hindi siya missed opportunity,” he said.

Escudero added that concerns such as online gambling can still be addressed through other avenues, such as interviews and press conferences. He also emphasized the importance of keeping the SONA concise and coherent, instead of covering unrelated topics.

He clarified that he is not among the authors of any proposed bills banning online gambling, but said the matter may be raised during the Senate’s upcoming caucus.

“Hindi ako isa sa mga author nun, so dapat ‘yung mga author ang magpanukala nun,” he said.

Escudero also explained that any move to include the proposed ban among the priority measures would require agreement within the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

“If that is the decision of the Senate, ‘yun ang isusulong ko naming mga miyembro ng LEDAC,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Kiko Pangilinan expressed alarm over what he described as the “dangerous normalization” of online gambling, criticizing its aggressive promotion across various platforms.

“Online gambling is no longer creeping into our communities—it’s dominating them,” Pangilinan said in a statement released ahead of the SONA.

He pointed to the widespread presence of gambling ads on billboards and social media, with celebrities and influencers endorsing the platforms as a glamorous lifestyle.

“Let’s call it what it is: Glamorized addiction. Monetized desperation. Normalized exploitation,” he said.

Pangilinan urged government regulators to investigate unregulated gambling platforms, digital platforms to stop promoting gambling content that targets vulnerable sectors, and public figures to reconsider endorsements. He also called on Congress to hold hearings and strengthen regulations.

“This is no longer just about advertising,” Pangilinan said. “This is about the kind of country we are allowing ourselves to become. One that protects—or one that preys? We must choose wisely. And we must act now.” (With reports from PNA)