Consumer groups urge tech-driven steps vs. illegal online gambling
Consumer advocacy groups in the Philippines—including Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente, and Konsyumer at Mamamayan—have urged the government to adopt technology-driven measures rather than imposing an outright ban on online gambling .
They warn that a total ban will not eliminate offshore, unregulated gambling sites that operate beyond Philippine jurisdiction. Instead, these groups recommend proactive systems capable of detecting and blocking illicit platforms before consumers are exposed, framing the issue as one of cybersecurity rather than just gambling control .
Karry Sison (BK3 convenor) emphasized that banning won’t stop new sites from emerging—“you shut one site today, another replaces it tomorrow” . Danilo Lorenzo “Ren” De Los Santos (KM convenor) highlighted the role of e‑wallets, suggesting they could be harnessed to track suspicious betting patterns and underage usage if integrated into a regulatory system .
While lawmakers are considering legislation for a complete ban, consumer groups advocate for smarter regulation supported by advanced technology for monitoring and enforcement .
