Online gambling devoid of any sense of responsibility
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Argues Against Online Gambling
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), led by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, has expressed strong opposition to government-regulated online gambling, primarily on moral and social grounds.
In a letter to PAGCOR (the government gambling regulator), Cardinal David rejected the argument that legalizing gambling allows better regulation and government revenue. He compared this logic to legalizing illegal drugs like shabu to earn revenue, calling it flawed reasoning.
The CBCP doubts that digital safeguards can prevent minors and especially young “digital natives” from accessing online gambling, given the pervasive and accessible nature of these platforms on smartphones. They contend that the social and personal costs linked to gambling addiction are severe, and the revenue argument cannot justify endorsing a vice that harms Filipino families.
Cardinal David also criticized celebrities and influencers who promote online gambling as exploiting vulnerable populations for profit, further contributing to the problem. While PAGCOR warned against pushing the activity into illegal channels, the CBCP insists this is not a valid reason to accept and legitimize gambling.
The CBCP emphasizes the protection of Filipino families and criticizes societal normalization and promotion of online gambling. They argue that efforts to regulate online gambling are futile and morally wrong, and the government should not legitimize vice for revenue purposes.
Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, has been at the forefront of this dialogue. The concerns raised in the letter include the destructive impact of online gambling on youth, families, and the poor.
The CBCP remains committed to working with all sectors to protect the young and the poor from gambling addiction. They renew their moral appeal for a policy shift that prioritizes human dignity and the common good.
In summary, the CBCP’s stance is that online gambling is inherently harmful and criminal, efforts to regulate it are futile and morally wrong, and the government should not legitimize vice for revenue purposes.
References: 1. Philstar.com 2. CNN Philippines 3. Rappler.com
- Despite the Philippine government's potential revenue from regulating online gambling, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) strongly opposes it, considering it morally and socially harmful, especially to youth and families.
- In addition to the social and personal costs of gambling addiction, the CBCP argues that celebrities and influencers who promote online gambling are exploiting vulnerable populations for profit.
- The CBCP, led by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, also contends that regardless of regulations, digital safeguards are insufficient to prevent minors from accessing online gambling platforms, which are easily accessible on smartphones.