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A Call To Protect Filipino Families: Zubiri Pushes For Total Ban On Online Gambling
Photo credit: Senator Migz Zubiri
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is calling for a complete ban on online gambling in the Philippines, describing it as a “silent epidemic” that is quietly destroying lives—particularly among the youth. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado media forum on Monday, July 7, 2025, Zubiri unveiled Senate Bill No. 142, also known as the Anti-Online Gambling Act
, which tops his list of ten priority measures for the new Congress.
“Gambling addiction does not only affect the elderly. More and more of our young people are falling victim to it. As long as gambling remains accessible to anyone online, this social cancer will continue to spread,” Zubiri said.
Under his proposed bill, all forms of online gambling would be prohibited. The measure also mandates internet service providers, mobile networks, and digital platforms to block access to gambling websites and apps. Violators—both individual bettors and operators—would face hefty fines and possible imprisonment.
Zubiri stressed that the problem of online gambling extends far beyond individual players, citing its devastating impact on families and communities. “Online gambling is a silent epidemic that is slowly destroying the lives of many Filipinos. When vulnerable sectors become addicted, we see a rise in crime, mounting debt, and increasing cases of depression and anxiety. It’s not just the individual who suffers—the family and the entire community are affected. That’s why we must put a stop to it,” he explained.
The Anti-Online Gambling Act is just one of ten priority bills Zubiri is championing in this Congress. Among his other proposed measures are the P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act (SBN 141), the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience (SBN 143), and the National Land Use Act (SBN 144). He also filed bills on national water resource management, defense modernization, barangay health workers’ welfare, and the security of bank deposits, among others.
Zubiri framed his advocacy as a way to shield Filipino families from harm. “We owe it to our families to protect them from the dangers of online gambling,” he said.
As he concluded his remarks, Zubiri reiterated his appeal to the public and his colleagues: “Online gambling must be banned— ipagbawal na natin ito nang tuluyan —for the sake of our people’s well-being and the nation’s future.”
The proposed legislation is expected to spark intense debate in the Senate, but Zubiri expressed confidence that protecting Filipino families will be a shared priority.
“Gambling addiction does not only affect the elderly. More and more of our young people are falling victim to it. As long as gambling remains accessible to anyone online, this social cancer will continue to spread,” Zubiri said.
Under his proposed bill, all forms of online gambling would be prohibited. The measure also mandates internet service providers, mobile networks, and digital platforms to block access to gambling websites and apps. Violators—both individual bettors and operators—would face hefty fines and possible imprisonment.
Zubiri stressed that the problem of online gambling extends far beyond individual players, citing its devastating impact on families and communities. “Online gambling is a silent epidemic that is slowly destroying the lives of many Filipinos. When vulnerable sectors become addicted, we see a rise in crime, mounting debt, and increasing cases of depression and anxiety. It’s not just the individual who suffers—the family and the entire community are affected. That’s why we must put a stop to it,” he explained.
The Anti-Online Gambling Act is just one of ten priority bills Zubiri is championing in this Congress. Among his other proposed measures are the P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act (SBN 141), the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience (SBN 143), and the National Land Use Act (SBN 144). He also filed bills on national water resource management, defense modernization, barangay health workers’ welfare, and the security of bank deposits, among others.
Zubiri framed his advocacy as a way to shield Filipino families from harm. “We owe it to our families to protect them from the dangers of online gambling,” he said.
As he concluded his remarks, Zubiri reiterated his appeal to the public and his colleagues: “Online gambling must be banned— ipagbawal na natin ito nang tuluyan —for the sake of our people’s well-being and the nation’s future.”
The proposed legislation is expected to spark intense debate in the Senate, but Zubiri expressed confidence that protecting Filipino families will be a shared priority.
Jul 7, 2025
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