Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a resolution urging the Senate to investigate reports of students engaging in online gambling. Platforms cited include Bingo Plus, OKBet, Piso Game, and others. DepEd recorded at least 8 incidents of student gambling since SY 2020–2021, but has yet to release a specific directive banning or sanctioning such behavior in schools.
Gatchalian expressed alarm at how easily minors can access gambling via mobile apps and social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. While laws like PD 1869 prohibit gambling for those under 21, enforcement is weak due to lack of penalties for violators. He also stressed that current laws treat minors caught gambling as Children in Conflict with the Law under RA 9344, focusing more on rehabilitation than punishment.
Gatchalian has filed a bill seeking stricter online gambling regulation. Meanwhile, several senators support a total ban on online gambling altogether. | via Allan Ortega | Photo via msn
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