Senator Win Gatchalian has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into learners’ engagement in online gambling.

The lawmaker is alarmed that learners can access online gambling platforms without adult supervision. “Dahil nakatutok ang mga kabataan sa cellphone o computer, mas madali silang mahikayat ng online gambling advertisements na nasa websites at social media channels tulad ng Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, at YouTube. They just provide their basic information, and they can already access multiple promos and cash-in options,” he said.  

Gatchalian flagged that while students are legally barred from gambling, there’s no clear national policy or education-based effort to curb online and offline gambling in schools.

The World Health Organization classifies gambling disorder as a behavioral addiction, with severe consequences for the youth such as school absenteeism, theft, psychological distress, and long-term addictive behavior.

The law expressly prohibits persons under 21 years of age or students of any school, college or university in the Philippines from playing. Gatchalian noted that e-wallets are fueling student gambling, with digital platforms exploiting youth through weak age checks, addictive features, and instant gratification.