The latest news from the Philippines has seen the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) voice concerns over gambling addiction in the country – matching the views of the public and lawmakers.

Having backed calls to tighten restrictions surrounding online gambling, they’ve described it as a new plague that destroys individuals and families.

In a statement posted by CBCP News on Facebook, Caloocan Bishop and CBCP President, Pablo Virgilio David, reviewed the current landscape of the gambling industry in their country, expressing their deep concern for how it has affected and destroyed lives, as well as the impact it is having on younger people.

“It’s clear that online gambling is no longer just a simple form of entertainment. It has become a deep and widespread moral problem, hidden behind the guise of leisure and technology.

“And even if they claim it to be a ‘human right,’ that does not make it right, especially when it brings harm to the person themselves. Addiction to online gambling is a form of slavery.”

Following the government’s recent ruling on banning offshore gambling operators, the CBCP have urged for the government to put controls on online payment systems to make it harder for people, especially young people, to access online gambling sites. 

They have also called on other sectors of society to recognise that gambling addiction is a public health issue that should be addressed through proper education, legislation, and treatment – and expressed their concerns on how society could feel isolated in what they call a ‘public health crisis’.

“What you are going through is not merely a weakness of will but often stems from deep wounds in your life that may have caused cracks in your thoughts or emotions. They no longer know how they ended up in such a state, which is why they live in shame, fear, and hopelessness

“This is not merely an individual problem. It has become a public health crisis in society, much like drugs and other vices. Can we truly progress if our moral values are eroding? Can we build a strong nation or lift our families out of poverty if we become numb to what is wrong and harmful?

“Do we not see the dangers to health, the crimes, violence, and threats to safety brought about by rampant gambling? Is gambling really the answer to poverty?”

In terms of potential future regulation, several lawmakers have discussed degrees of regulation on online gambling, including banning the youth from participating in it and restricting e-wallets from accommodating online gaming sites. 

Another possible intervention could be putting controls on online payment systems to make it harder for people, especially young people, to access online gambling sites. 

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, meanwhile, is pushing for a total ban on all forms of online gambling and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would not oppose any measure that would curb gambling addiction among Filipinos, and the recent discourse could lead to official change in the near future.