President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not oppose a proposed tax on online gaming operators, provided it is supported by comprehensive studies, according to Malacañang.
In a press briefing on Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that the President recognizes the risks associated with gambling addiction. “The President is aware of what could happen to those addicted to gambling, and he will not oppose it as long as there is sufficient study regarding the tax that may be imposed,” she said in Filipino.
The proposal from the Department of Finance (DOF) has drawn concern over its potential impact on investment and the risk of pushing online operators into unregulated territory. Castro responded by affirming that the government is also ramping up efforts to curb illicit online gaming platforms.
When asked whether online gambling would feature in Marcos’ upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), Castro said the issue is being given attention, but it’s still unclear if it will be mentioned. “I don’t have any details yet on what the President will say or announce in the SONA. However, these suggestions will be relayed to the President,” she added.
Several lawmakers have recently intensified calls for a crackdown on online gambling. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri filed the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, proposing a complete ban. Senator JV Ejercito has echoed similar sentiments, describing online gambling as an escalating threat, even more serious than the previously controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
In the House of Representatives, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong also voiced support for a total ban. He argued that if the Philippines could halt POGOs, it should also be able to put a stop to other forms of online gambling.
