Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is pressing for stronger legislative measures to address the rapid rise of illegal online gambling in the Philippines, warning that unlicensed operators continue to attract millions of Filipinos despite government efforts to block access. His remarks came during a Senate hearing, as reported by The Manila Times.
Gatchalian said illegal gambling platforms reappear almost immediately after being blocked, likening their proliferation to “mushrooms.” He urged the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center, or CICC, to go beyond short-term website takedowns and pursue strategies that dismantle the operations supporting these networks.
Officials from the CICC told senators that the agency blocks an average of 50,000 online gambling sites, an estimated 95 to 97% of which originate outside the country. Authorities said that only domestic access can be restricted, making permanent removal impossible when platforms are hosted offshore.
Cross-border cybercrime frequently requires international cooperation because local regulators cannot compel foreign operators or infrastructure providers to act.
In response to Gatchalian’s questions on long-term solutions, CICC Executive Director Renato Paraiso recommended appointing cyber diplomats to help strengthen international cybersecurity coordination. He noted that the Philippines is currently the only country without such designated officials. Paraiso also suggested expanding mutual legal assistance treaties to include cybercrimes, since existing agreements cover only traditional offenses.
Gatchalian last year filed the Online Gambling Regulatory Act, which proposes a more stringent regulatory structure for online gambling rather than a full ban. He argued that prohibiting all online betting activity could drive the industry further underground and weaken oversight.
CICC says it blocks around 50,000 gambling sites, 95–97% hosted offshore
