In a recent statement, Gatchalian described illegal betting platforms as persistent and adaptive, arguing that blocking individual websites is insufficient to address what he characterized as a systemic problem. His remarks come amid rising concerns over gambling addiction and the expansion of offshore gambling operations targeting Filipino consumers.

Enforcement Limits Highlight Cross-Border Challenge

During a Senate hearing, Gatchalian questioned the progress made by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) in combating illegal gambling sites.

According to the agency, approximately 50,000 online gambling websites have been blocked, with an estimated 95 to 97 percent operating from outside the Philippines. However, the CICC acknowledged that its authority is limited to restricting domestic access, underscoring the complexities of tackling cross-border digital gambling networks.

To strengthen enforcement capabilities, CICC Executive Director Renato Paraiso recommended the appointment of cyber diplomats to bolster international cybersecurity cooperation. He also proposed expanding existing mutual legal assistance treaties to explicitly include cybercrime provisions, noting that many current agreements focus solely on traditional criminal offenses.

Toward a Comprehensive Regulatory Framework

Rather than pursuing an outright ban on online gambling — a move that could risk driving activity further underground — Gatchalian last year introduced the proposed Online Gambling Regulatory Act. The bill aims to establish a structured regulatory framework for online betting, combining oversight, consumer protection and enforcement mechanisms.

The senator’s position reflects a growing policy debate in the Philippines over how to balance technological realities with responsible gambling safeguards. By advocating for stronger international coordination alongside clearer domestic regulation, lawmakers are signaling an intent to modernize the country’s approach to online gambling governance while addressing the risks posed by unlicensed operators.