SENATORS Alan Peter Cayetano and Risa Hontiveros expressed disappointment over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s failure to address online gambling in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
In separate statements, both senators criticized the missed opportunity for the President to issue a clear directive against online gambling, including e-sabong.
Senator Cayetano acknowledged the impossibility of addressing all national issues in a single SONA, but noted that the President’s previous strong stance against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) created an expectation for similar action against online gambling.
He has long advocated for a total ban on all forms of gambling since 2010, citing its negative impact on youth, families, and society. In the current 20th Congress, he is a co-author of the proposed Ban on Online Gambling Act and the principal author of the Anti-Online Gambling Advertisement Act.
Senator Hontiveros echoed these sentiments, expressing regret that the President did not mention a ban on online gambling, including the use of e-wallets and super apps for gambling.
She recently filed a bill prohibiting online gambling access through e-wallets and super apps, aiming to protect minors and ban online gambling advertisements in public spaces and media.
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