In the Philippines, the Senate filed a bill seeking a ban on promoting gambling activities online.
Senator Robin Padilla filed a Senate Bill 2602. He stated that, given the evolving landscape of social media platforms, this representation has informed about the availability of online user-generated content related to gambling. This content demonstrates, promotes, and provides instructions on betting or staking to the general public.
Padilla has also added that in this regard, this representation proposes the prohibition of online publication of materials that instruct or demonstrate gambling, commentaries, and advertisements that promote awareness of gambling activities. He also chairs the Senate Committee on Public Information and mass media.
According to the lawmaker, the proposed legislation aims to reduce, if not completely eliminate, the exposure and impact of gambling on the general public, particularly the youth. Padilla said this causes long-term harm to individuals, families, and communities.
The senator also said that gambling and its links to addiction, criminal activities, and social issues destroy the moral fiber of the nation.
Section 4 of SB 2602 requires the Department of Justice or DOJ to issue a disabling order to restrict or block access to gambling-related content. It includes notice to ensure compliance to the Department of Information and Communications and the National Telecommunications Commission to ensure compliance.
Apart from this, it also requires service providers to comply with the disabling order within 48 hours of the DOJ issuing an order. Individuals found publishing gambling-related content could face six months to a year in prison or a fine ranging from ₱300,000 or $5,392 to ₱500,000 or $8,987.
Offenders who have linked online content to an online gambling site or have received any form of remuneration or commissions for publishing gambling-related online content will face a maximum penalty of three years of jail time and a fine of ₱500,000.
