Recently, the Philippine police launched a raid at the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Paranaque City, arresting 12 public transport workers suspected of illegal online gambling. The police noted that these drivers, suspected of losing money in gambling, subsequently raised passenger fares to compensate for their losses, affecting traffic order and public interest.
This operation was jointly conducted by the Special Action Group of the Southern Police District, the Intelligence Department, and the 3rd Precinct of Paranaque City Police, with the arrests taking place at the taxi lane of PITX in Barangay Tambo. The arrested individuals range in age from 35 to 63, including several taxi drivers, one ride-sharing driver, one modern jeepney ticket seller, and one jeepney driver.
According to the police, the enforcement was triggered by reports from concerned citizens about drivers gambling on their phones while waiting for passengers. During the search, authorities confiscated two mobile phones and 3545 Philippine Pesos (approximately 61 USD) in gambling funds. The involved parties will be prosecuted under Presidential Decree No. 1602, which explicitly prohibits illegal gambling.
It is worth mentioning that the Philippine government has completely banned online gambling forms such as "electronic cockfighting" as of June 2025, reflecting the authorities' high alert to the dangers of online gambling.
Brigadier General Randy Alceo, commander of the Southern Police District, pointed out that drivers raising fares on their own due to gambling losses is not only illegal but could also threaten passenger safety. He emphasized that the police will continue to crack down on gambling and unlawful activities in the public transportation sector to protect citizens' rights and industry integrity.
