Bersamin: Marcos still undecided on online games ban

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet decided whether to impose a total ban on online gambling, which various stakeholders and groups have urged him to do.

After the send-off ceremony for President Marcos Jr. on Sunday at Villamor Air Base for a three-day official visit to the United States, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the chief executive is still weighing the matter. Marcos is scheduled to discuss a bilateral trade deal and defense cooperation in a high-level meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“We are still looking into it because we have to see all the ramifications that gaming of that method may be allowed to operate,” Bersamin said.

Bersamin did not answer queries from the media on whether the potential ban would be included in the President’s State of the Nation Address on 28 July, similar to how he addressed the fate of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“Well, the policy remains the same... the President is very strong about POGOs, it was already banned,” Bersamin said.

In recent weeks, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), as well as lawmakers from both houses of Congress and other groups, have renewed calls to ban online gambling. Critics argue the practice worsens poverty and addiction among vulnerable Filipinos.

CBCP President and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David earlier described online gambling as “a deep and widespread moral issue hiding in entertainment and technology.”

Several lawmakers have filed bills to restrict or ban online gambling. Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed a measure to restrict access; Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a bill banning access via e-wallets and super apps; Senator JV Ejercito said he may support a full ban; and Senators Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Joel Villanueva, and Raffy Tulfo proposed an outright ban on all forms of online gambling.

Online gambling has become a top revenue source. According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), gross gaming revenue (GGR) from e-games surged from P58.16 billion in 2023 to P154.51 billion in 2024, and hit P51.39 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

The unprecedented rise in revenue prompted PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco to oppose a total ban, instead calling for stricter regulation.

He said the government is earning more than P100 billion from online gambling.

However, concerns remain over addiction, with reports of Filipinos pawning or selling valuables such as motorcycles, cars, jewelry, and even homes to fuel their gambling habits.

Caretakers

Meanwhile, Bersamin said he, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III will serve as caretakers while Marcos is abroad.

“The order of the President is to continue the work while he is away. Anyway, we keep in constant communication with him during all the time that he is away from the country,” Bersamin told reporters.