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By Chloe Mari A. Hufana <\/b>and <\/i><\/span>Adrian H. Halili, <\/b>Reporters<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. <\/span>Marcos, Jr. is receptive to imposing taxes on online gaming activities as well as suggestions aimed at restricting digital gambling to assist in mitigating issues related to addiction, the Palace announced on Monday.<\/p>\n \u201cThe DoF\u2019s (Department of Finance) initiative to implement a tax to help limit online gaming is intended for the benefit of Filipinos,\u201d Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro informed reporters in Filipino during a news briefing. \u201cThe President recognizes the ramifications of gambling addiction, and he will support this initiative as long as it is backed by research.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOur aim is to restrict this form of gambling and assist those who are dependent on it. The President will endorse suggestions, including legislation, that pursue this goal… We will evaluate any proposals that Congress may pass to gauge their influence on the economy and the welfare of Filipinos.\u201d<\/p>\n Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto mentioned last week that they will propose a tax on online gaming and are also analyzing other policy alternatives \u201cto prevent unrestricted and essentially unregulated access to gambling, especially digital gambling platforms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n These potential measures include establishing limits on playtime or cash-in amounts to help avert addiction, age restrictions, and displaying explicit warnings about the dangers of gambling, Mr. Recto stated.<\/p>\n Ms. Castro noted that the government is also intensifying its efforts against unlicensed and illegal online gaming sites.<\/p>\n Reinielle Matt M. Erece, an economist at Oikonomia Advisory and Research, Inc., remarked that the DoF\u2019s tax proposal is an \u201ceffective way to boost government revenues.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe (online gambling) sector is expanding rapidly,\u201d he conveyed in a Viber message. \u201cWhether it alleviates gambling addiction is challenging to determine, as it necessitates appropriate intervention and initiatives to advocate for responsible gaming.\u201d<\/p>\n He added that an online gaming tax could act as a deterrent for new participants while assisting the government in financing its initiatives.<\/p>\n Multiple lawmakers have introduced bills aimed at reducing online gambling due to its growing appeal among Filipinos.<\/p>\n On Monday, Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri expressed that he is advocating for an outright prohibition on online gambling platforms, labeling the surge of gambling addiction a \u201csilent epidemic,\u201d particularly among younger individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe revenue generated is not worth the societal cost. The lives of our citizens are being devastated, families are torn apart, crime is escalating, and they are sinking into debt,\u201d Mr. Zubiri remarked, adding that lost revenues from an outright ban could reach P47 billion annually.<\/span><\/p>\n Senate Bill No. 142, also known as the Anti-Online Gambling Bill, aims to prohibit online gambling on mobile devices. Internet service providers would also be required to restrict public access to online gambling sites and applications.<\/p>\n It additionally seeks to ban the usage of electronic wallets and other digital payment methods on online gaming platforms.<\/p>\n The Akbayan party-list has also introduced a bill in the House of Representatives aimed at regulating online gaming sites.<\/p>\n