Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has questioned the Philippine National Police (PNP) over its failure to shut down illegal gambling sites, including e-sabong, despite having P1.195 billion in intelligence funds under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
“Sa laki ng budget na binibigay natin for intelligence funds at cybercrime prevention, bakit yung simpleng e-sabong na ilegal na sa ating bansa ay laganap pa rin?” Gatchalian asked in a Senate hearing.
He cited the continued operation of e-sabong site SW418.com and online gambling platforms Wil-Network, World Platinum Technologies, and Gotech Entertainment, despite alleged non-compliance with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation regulations.
Gatchalian stressed that rising revenues from e-gaming, up 44.5% from 2018 to 2024, do not justify the social damage caused by gambling addiction.
“Malaki nga ang kita ng gobyerno, pero hindi natin pwedeng isakripisyo ang kapakanan at moralidad ng ating mga kababayan. Kung sila ay nalululong sa sugal, ‘yan ay problema ng buong lipunan,” he said. IMT
