MANILA – Senate Committee on Games and Amusement Chairperson Erwin Tulfo will lead a hearing on August 14 to tackle bills and resolutions aimed at addressing the growing social problems linked to online gambling in the country.

Tulfo said he made a commitment to prioritize the measures, citing the worsening situation.

“It’s a crisis na eh. So, talagang kailangan aksyunan na ito, to solve this problem,” he said. While pushing for a total ban on online gambling, Tulfo said the committee will also hear from government agencies such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Department of Finance (DOF) to weigh the pros and cons of an outright prohibition.

He lamented the lack of regulations that allowed unrestrained betting, including cases where minors participate in gambling.

“Ito ‘yung kita mo pero ito naman social ills… Ano ang importante? Importante ba yung kita kaysa sa kinabukasan ng mga tao, ng mga kabataan, ng mga magulang na nalulong sa sugal?” Tulfo asked.

The panel will deliberate on four bills, three resolutions, and a privilege speech addressing the harmful effects of the online gambling industry.