Philippine Catholic bishops call for online gambling ban
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines called for a complete ban on online gambling as the country debates prohibition. PAGCOR chair Alejandro Tengco opposed the church's position, citing sector contributions to public revenue and jobs, while lawmaker Joseph Bernos argued that stronger oversight would be preferable to a ban because prohibition could expand the black market.
A potential ban would affect licensed online gambling operators, while the debate includes competing proposals for stricter oversight.