Lapid seeks probe on online gambling

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Lito Lapid has expressed concern over the proliferation of online gambling advertisements on different social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok that expose young people to illegal activities.

Lapid, chairman of the Senate committee on games and amusements, said he would file a resolution for the committee to investigate illegal gambling online and formulate a law to prevent or suppress it.

“Young people who are exposed early to illegal gambling risk becoming addicted to online gambling. This could also harm their values and morals if the government fails to act on it,” Lapid said.

The senator also warned that financial technology or mobile wallet services, such as GCash, PayMaya and other platforms, could also be exploited for gambling.

“If the youth are getting away with playing online gambling, how can we raise them well and with good values in life? It is sad that our youths’ good manners will be destroyed by this bad habit and they may even bet their pocket money in school. If worse comes to worst, they might learn to steal, like the characters in FPJ’s ‘Batang Quiapo,’ ” Lapid said.

He noted that installing online gambling applications on cell phones and other mobile devices is very easy. “This is often overlooked by parents. It is also very easy or accessible to register because only name and age are required.”