11/07/2025
Senator B**g Go backs total ban on online gambling as he highlights its devastating social impact on the poor
Senator Christopher “B**g” Go on Tuesday, July 9, supports calls to ban online gambling in the Philippines, citing the severe and far-reaching social costs that disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable Filipinos.
In an ambush interview with reporters at the Senate, Go revealed that he intends to either file his own bill or co-author pending proposals filed by his colleagues that aim to outlaw online gambling activities nationwide.
“Sa online gambling, I agree with my colleagues on the possibility of banning online gambling. I intend to file my own bill or co-author similar measures,” Go declared, as he echoed growing concern among lawmakers over the spread of online gambling platforms that have become alarmingly accessible and addictive.
“Masyado na pong malaki at malalim ang social cost nito.”
He went on to describe how online gambling is now draining limited resources from working-class Filipinos, many of whom unknowingly become addicted due to the ease and secrecy of the platforms.
“‘Yung iba, alam n’yo, ‘yung mga driver imbes na pambili na nila ng gatas, diaper sa anak, pagkain, baon sa mga anak ay ipinanglalaro na po ng dito sa online. Kasi masyadong madaling maglaro eh. ‘Yung iba nga akala mo nagti-text lang, naglalaro na pala, nagsusugal na. Ang dami n’yan,” Go explained.
Go’s strong stance joins a growing chorus of legislators seeking to address the online gambling crisis either through a total ban or a major overhaul of the country’s existing policies covering gaming laws. Multiple bills have been filed in both houses of Congress proposing the prohibition of online gambling platforms and mandating internet service providers, payment gateways, and mobile apps to block access to such services.
These proposed measures are grounded in the alarming social impact of online gambling, especially its effect on minors, low-income earners, and those susceptible to addiction.
While acknowledging the legislative process required to pass such a measure, Go made clear that his intent to support such a move is firm and consistent with his previous stand that public order must be prioritized over any economic benefits of such activities.
Go underscored the difficulty of regulating online gambling given the current nature of digital access in the country, stressing that existing mechanisms may be inadequate to prevent harm, especially among youth.
“Ang hirap po, ang hirap i-regulate nito dahil sa masyadong maluwang ‘yung internet access sa ngayon. So mahirap i-regulate, sobrang hirap po i-regulate nito. So isang paraan rin po na ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa masasamang bisyo,” he said. “Parang addiction na rin po ‘yan eh ‘pag na-hook up ka sa online gambling.”
The senator, who chairs both the Senate Committees on Sports and the on Youth, strongly criticized the influence of gambling on Filipino youth, noting its contradiction to his ongoing initiatives to promote sports and wellness as healthy alternatives.
“Mali po ito. Masyadong mali po ito. Protektahan po natin ang ating mga kabataan. Hindi lang mga kabataan, lahat ng Pilipino protektahan natin na malulong sa sugal,” Go emphasized.
“Bilang chairman ng (Committees on) Sports at (on) Youth, iniengganyo ko nga ang mga kabataan to get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” he added, reiterating his long-standing advocacy for youth empowerment through physical activity and discipline.
Go also recalled his previous legislative efforts on the matter, noting that he co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2868, which seeks to prohibit the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country. The bill has passed both chambers of Congress.
“I also co-authored the bill banning POGOs, ito pong Senate Bill No. 2868 which was passed in the Senate and the House of Representatives. It’s up to the President if he will sign this measure kung pipirmahan n’ya po ito,” Go explained.
“Pero isa po ako sa author at co-sponsor ng pagbaban ng POGO at kasama na po rin dito sana matigil na rin po itong online gambling.”
He reiterated his concern for poor families, emphasizing that every peso lost to gambling is money that could have been spent on food or school supplies.
“Mahirap ‘to, delikado po ito lalung lalo na ang biktima rito ‘yung mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Ipambili n’yo na lang ng pagkain, ang hirap po ng panahon ngayon,” Go said.
When pressed for clarification, the senator firmly confirmed his support for a total ban: “Opo. Though alam n’yo naman dito, dadaan pa ‘yan sa Senado at sa Kongreso, kahit isang boto lang po ako, my personal opinion ay dapat po itigil po ito.”
He concluded with a heartfelt appeal to fellow lawmakers and the public to recognize the deeper implications of online gambling on family welfare and national well-being.
“Dahil kung magiging biktima po ‘yung mga mahihirap nating kababayan, imbes na pambili ng pagkain, baon sa anak ay nagagamit sa sugal, ‘wag naman po sana. ‘Wag naman po sana.”
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