Philippine Congressman Rufus Rodriguez from the second district recently called for a complete ban on all forms of online gambling, including POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), denouncing it as a "cancer eroding the foundation of society."
"For the families of four barangays bankrupted by gambling debts, for the children addicted to gambling apps like Bingo Plus and Arena Plus, and for countless families and individuals to be spared from the scourge of digital vices, we must speak out and take action," he stated in his speech.
Rodriguez pointed out that gambling is rapidly infiltrating the Philippine entertainment industry and social platforms. He criticized that at least 15 local celebrities, beauty queens, and internet influencers are endorsing platforms like Bingo Plus, Arena Plus, Oki Bet, and Staycom, using the lure of "easy riches" to mislead the youth into gambling.
"While the Presidential Office, the Senate, and the House of Representatives are all fighting illegal gambling, the GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) is investing in gambling company shares, and the entertainment industry is diverting traffic to gambling platforms—isn't this ironic?" he openly questioned.
He emphasized that online gambling not only harms personal health and finances but also severely erodes family relationships and social stability. "If we do not investigate and shut it down now, the entire nation will pay the price in the future."
Currently, Rodriguez has joined several lawmakers in submitting a bill to completely prohibit online gambling activities, including POGO, and to hold endorsers legally accountable. This bill has sparked heated discussions in Congress, and its progress is worth continuous attention.
