Sherwin Gatchalian

Two senators have raised concerns over law enforcement’s ability to curb illegal online gambling, questioning the use of intelligence funds by the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid reports that e-sabong operations continue despite a nationwide ban.

After a Tarlac court voided Alice Guo’s birth certificate, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian urged full digitalization of the civil registry system to stop abuses in late registrations. He also challenged PhilPost to modernize as the government shifts to a paperless future, stressing that both reforms are key to transparency and efficiency in public service.

Legislators from both chambers of Congress have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as the government’s and e-wallet providers’ weak and half-hearted efforts to curb the proliferation of online gambling advertisements.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has scored the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for its failure to implement provisions of the SIM registration law leading scammers involved in various Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to perpetrate various fraud and scamming activities.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the NTC to rigorously enforce provisions of the SIM registration law following the retrieval of a substantial number of SIM cards during a series of search warrant implementations against a Tarlac-based Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO), now termed as Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL).

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian made the call amid continuing complaints that some banks refuse to recognize the national ID as proof of identity because the card itself does not display the person's signature.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian made the call as the Senate Committee on Ways and Means is currently fine-tuning through a technical working group (TWG) the provisions of a proposed real property valuation reform measure, which he hopes would expedite the automation of LGUs across the country.

The tariff suspension, however, will not cover two-wheeled electric motorcycles in a bid to protect local manufacturers of tricycles.

While the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is eyeing short-course training programs for cybersecurity experts and software engineers, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said developing talent for cybersecurity should start from basic education.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ensure that it would hit its target in rolling out Internet connection in public places, including educational institutions.