Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remained silent on the rapidly expanding online gambling sector during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), despite broad anticipation that he would tackle the subject.
His annual address had been widely expected to clarify his administration’s stance on the future of online gambling.
Both lawmakers and industry analysts were awaiting signals on whether he would back stricter regulation or potentially call for an outright ban on digital gambling activities. Several senators had openly urged the president to use the platform to present a definitive strategy for addressing what they view as a mounting social issue.
Yet, the complete omission of online gambling from his speech was perceived by some within the industry as a quiet endorsement of the status quo and a positive sign for operators. This comes amid a wave of proposed legislation aimed at curbing the sector, with concerns around addiction, criminal activity, and financial harm driving calls for action.
Proposals currently on the table include more stringent age verification measures, restrictions on digital wallets, limitations on gambling-related sponsorships at public and political events, and even a blanket ban on online gambling.
Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has suggested fiscal reforms that could reshape the iGaming landscape, including a 10% increase in gross gaming revenue tax and mandatory public listings for online gambling companies on the Philippine Stock Exchange to promote transparency and regulatory oversight.
Earlier this month, Marcos indicated he would not oppose tax increases or a possible online gambling ban, so long as any such move is rooted in solid research. He stressed that any regulatory or fiscal changes must be backed by reliable data to ensure their effectiveness and fairness.
Notably, it was in last year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) that Marcos garnered attention for announcing a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), citing serious abuses and ties to organized crime, including money laundering, human trafficking, and murder.
The SONA is delivered annually on the fourth Monday of July and outlines the president’s report on the nation’s current condition, along with key accomplishments and policy priorities.
