MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government will gather stakeholders in a “conclave” to craft a comprehensive policy on online gambling, focusing on its socio-economic impact.

Speaking at the Kapihan with the Media forum, Marcos said the consultations will involve the Catholic Church, educators, parents, law enforcement, and addiction experts, among others.

“Internally, we are calling it a ‘conclave’ to put all of the interested parties. CBCP (Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ members have) been very vocal on their position, so they must be heard,” he said.

The President said the discussions will weigh various policy options, noting that an outright ban may not always be effective. He cited the government’s ban on “e-sabong” or online cockfighting, which he said merely drove the activity underground.

“So, let’s use that as an example. Successful ba ‘yung pag-ban natin sa e-sabong? Kung hindi, bakit hindi naging successful? Yun ang mga kailangan natin pag-aralan,” Marcos said.

“I don’t want to influence anyone’s opinion here until we hear from the group who will be examining the question. But in my opinion, a ban will not take care of the problem. We have to be a little bit more measured in our response,” he added.