PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signaled support for a proposal by the Department of Finance (DOF) to impose new taxes on online gambling operators, as lawmakers filed bills seeking to either ban or tighten regulations on the industry.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Monday the President is open to measures that would curb gambling addiction and protect Filipino families — provided they are backed by thorough research.
“This DOF proposal to impose a tax to restrict online gaming is for the good of the Filipino family,” Castro said in Filipino.
Marcos, she added, is fully aware of the risks posed by unregulated online gambling and would not oppose the proposal if it is well-studied and balances both public welfare and economic needs.
Aside from potential tax policies, the President also supports efforts to eliminate illegal or unlicensed gambling platforms, which often evade regulation and endanger vulnerable users.
As the Palace weighs its options, several lawmakers have already filed legislation on the matter.
Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is pushing for a total ban, while Senator JV Ejercito and legislators from the House of Representatives propose stronger controls.
