Cardinal David slams gov't for lax online gambling policies

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David took to social media to express his frustration over the national government’s weak response to the proliferation of online gambling.

“Wala na yatang mas titindi pang kabaliwan kaysa sa ahensya ng gobyerno na kunwaring nababahala sa ilegal na offshore gambling, samantalang ginawa namang legal ang online gambling dito mismo sa bayan natin—kumpleto, todo-todo, walang hiya,” the cardinal wrote on his Facebook page.

David pointed out that online gambling is now easily accessible to both adults and children, available 24/7.

He warned about the danger of online casinos, especially for minors who may use remittances from their parents for gambling.

“Sino pa ang magtitiis pumuslit sa mga casinong pang-mayaman kung kahit sino puwede nang magsugal habang nakahiga sa sala, sa kwarto, sa bulsa ng bata — sa liwanag ng cellphone?” he added.

The Caloocan bishop also criticized celebrities who promote online casino platforms on social media.

“Nagpapaupa bilang pushers, tagapagtulak ng pasugalan ng mga bilyonaryong walang konsensya. Nilalambat ang mga inosente at desperado sa malawak na digital na dagat ng sugalan,” said the CBCP head, referring to celebrity endorsers.

David warned that if the surge in online gambling continues unchecked, the country risks raising a generation of gambling addicts.

He emphasized that without urgent action, the nation would suffer long-term consequences.

Malacañang reported last June that at least 7,000 illegal casino websites had already been shut down.