Philippine bishop angrily denounces uncontrolled online gambling: "A casino in every child's pocket, destroying an entire generation!"

Recently, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, the chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, made a rare statement, directly pointing out that the Philippine government's laissez-faire attitude towards online gambling could lead to the "collective degeneration of the next generation," and strongly urged the authorities to immediately tighten control.

Gambling addiction, the young pay the price

Cardinal David warned that the rampant phenomenon of online gambling has spread from adults to teenagers. Mobile phones have become "portable casinos," where anyone can place bets at any time and any place, "even a child's pocket can hold a gambling table," putting the entire nation at risk.

Celebrities boost, government turns a blind eye?

He harshly criticized some celebrities and internet personalities for sacrificing social responsibility for money, endorsing gambling platforms "without any bottom line," equivalent to "selling out the future of the next generation." He also pointed out the government's absurd double standards: loudly cracking down on illegal platforms, yet turning a blind eye to "the erosion of local legal gambling on teenagers."

If losses are not cut in time, a costly intergenerational disaster will ensue

He finally exclaimed, "This is a future cost that the Philippines cannot afford." If the government does not set limits, teenagers will become full victims of gambling addiction, "by then, it will be too late."