Senate bill seeks ban on pro-gambling online content

A bill seeking a ban on promoting gambling activities online has been filed in the Senate. 

"Considering the evolving landscape of social media platforms, this representation has been apprised of the availability of online user-generated content relating to gambling that demonstrates, promotes, and provides instructions on betting or staking to the general public," said Senator Robin Padilla as he filed Senate Bill 2602.

"In this regard, this representation proposes the prohibition of online publication of materials that instruct or demonstrate gambling, commentaries, and advertisements that promote awareness of gambling activities," said Padilla who also chairs the Senate committee on public information and mass media. 

The lawmaker said the proposed legislation is deemed instrumental to lessen, if not at all eliminate, the exposure and impact of gambling to the general public, especially the youth, that brings lasting damage to individuals, families, and even communities.

Padilla noted the links of gambling to addiction, criminal activities, and social issues that destroy the moral fiber of the nation.

Under Section 4 of SB 2602, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will be tasked to issue a disabling order to restrict or block access to gambling-related content with notice to the Department of Information and Communications and National Telecommunications Commission to monitor compliance.

It also tasks service providers to comply with the disabling order within 48 hours of DOJ's issuance of an order.

Any person who will be found publishing gambling-related content may face sis months to one year imprisonment or a fine ranging from P300,000 to P500,000.

If the violator has linked the online content to an online gambling site or has received any form of remuneration or commissions for publishing gambling-related online content, a maximum penalty of three years jail time and fine of P500,000 will be imposed.

If the offender is a juridical person, a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and a fine of P500,000 will be imposed on the president, director, manager or managing partners, and or responsible officers. –VAL, GMA Integrated News