Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is advocating for more robust legislative measures to combat the swift expansion of illegal online gambling, as unauthorized betting platforms persistently attract millions of Filipinos into the grips of gambling addiction. In a recent news release, Gatchalian emphasized that these unlicensed sites are multiplying rapidly, ensnaring countless individuals in harmful behaviors.
Mushrooming Problem Requires Root Solutions
Gatchalian likened the issue to mushrooms, stating, "These are like mushrooms — even if you block them now, they keep coming back. It's never ending. The root of the problem must be cut." This vivid analogy underscores the persistent nature of the challenge, where temporary blocks fail to address the underlying causes.
Senate Hearing Reveals Enforcement Hurdles
During a Senate hearing, Gatchalian questioned the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) about their efforts beyond merely blocking illegal gambling sites. The CICC reported blocking an average of 50,000 online gambling sites, with 95 to 97 percent operating from outside the Philippines.
Authorities clarified that they can only restrict access within Philippine jurisdiction, making complete takedowns unfeasible. This limitation highlights a significant enforcement obstacle in cross-border operations, where international cooperation is crucial.
Proposals for Enhanced International Cooperation
In response to Gatchalian's call for legislative ideas, CICC Executive Director Renato Paraiso suggested appointing cyber diplomats to strengthen international cybersecurity partnerships. He noted that the Philippines is the only country yet to designate such officials, potentially hindering global efforts.
Paraiso also recommended expanding mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) to include cybercrimes, as current agreements primarily cover traditional offenses. This expansion could facilitate better collaboration in tackling online gambling and other digital illicit activities.
Regulatory Framework Over Total Ban
Last year, Gatchalian introduced the Online Gambling Regulatory Act, which aims to create a strict regulatory system for online gambling rather than imposing a total ban. He argues that a complete prohibition might drive operations underground, exacerbating the problem instead of solving it.
This approach seeks to balance control with practicality, ensuring that oversight can effectively manage the industry while protecting citizens from addiction and fraud.
