Bagong Henerasyon party-list representative Robert Nazal on Tuesday, Sept. 16, pushed back against assertions that banning online gambling in the Philippines cannot be done, saying other countries have already proven it is possible.
Nazal, author of the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act (House Bill 1815), said the experience of Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt shows that governments can enforce effective bans despite challenges.
“When Pagcor says online gambling cannot be banned or that trying to do so is futile, they are wrong,” Nazal stressed. “A total ban on online gambling can be done. It is not impossible.”
He also cited European countries that have moved aggressively against gambling promotions. Italy and Belgium have outlawed gambling advertisements altogether, while Germany and the Netherlands have prohibited ads across television, radio, online platforms, outdoor posters, and sports sponsorships.
Nazal pointed out that the Philippines has already implemented and enforced similar advertising restrictions on tobacco products.
The lawmaker added that some jurisdictions have used existing legislation on terrorism financing, cybercrime, money laundering, and fraud to curb online gambling, a strategy that could also be applied locally.
Nazal’s remarks came as the Senate opened discussions on pending bills concerning online gambling. He underscored that regulatory bodies should look at international precedents rather than dismissing a total ban outright.
