Senate to hold hearing on online gambling 

Senator Erwin Tulfo announced Wednesday that he will spearhead a Senate investigation into the proliferation of online gambling in the country, as he joined calls in Congress for its total ban.

Tulfo, chairman of the Senate games and amusement committee, said that he will invite the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Department of Finance (DOF) to the hearing which may begin early next week. 

He also said he wants to hear the stance of his fellow senators and other stakeholders regarding online gaming, as some have been pushing for its total prohibition, while others only want its strict regulation. 

“But if I can have it my way, kung ako ang tatanungin personally, I want this online gambling stopped. Kung ako po ang masusunod, ora mismo, dapat itigil na ang online gambling because of the fact na masama na po ang nangyayari,” Tulfo said in a press conference. 

(But if I can have it my way, if I’m asked personally, I want this online gambling stopped. If I am the one to be followed, then we should ban online gambling right now because what is happening right now is bad.) 

The first-termer senator also expressed disappointment with the congressman who was seen watching e-sabong on his phone while members of the lower chamber were voting for House Speaker during Monday’s session. 

The younger Tulfo said that the congressman should apologize or explain why he was doing such while the House session was ongoing. 

“Tapos the Congress should ask for an explanation. Why? Imbes na magtrabaho sila, nagbobotohan sila, serious business ‘yung araw na ‘yun diba, nagbobotohan ng Speaker. Bakit ka nagsusugal? Number two, bawal naman ‘yun. First place, bawal talaga ‘yung sugal. Ano explanation? There’s no explanation,” Erwin Tulfo said. 

(Then the Congress should ask for an explanation. Instead of working since that day was a serious business, why were they gambling? Number two, that's not allowed. In the first place, gambling is really not allowed. What's the explanation? There's no explanation.) 

‘Gambling capital of Asia’

In his privilege speech during Wednesday’s session, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also put on record that he was “extremely disappointed” that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. did not mention anything about the ills of online gambling during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28. 

“Shame on you PAGCOR, shame on you operators of online gambling. Kung may isang Pilipino tayong tinutulungan dahil sa kinikita ng bayan dahil sa online gambling, panigurado ako na libo libong Pilipino ang nagdurusa ngayon at lubog sa utang dahil nalulong sa gambling,” he said.

(Shame on you PAGCOR, shame on you operators of online gambling. If we’re helping one Filipino because of the benefits of online gambling, I’m sure that thousands of Filipinos are suffering now and drowning in debt because they are addicted to it.) 

To recall, Zubiri filed a bill seeking an outright ban on all forms of online gambling, including digital betting platforms, mobile applications, and websites that allow users to place wagers through electronic devices. 

He said that the Philippines is now the “gambling capital of Asia,” besting Macau and Cambodia. 

Several senators such as Loren Legarda, Raffy Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Pangilinan expressed manifestations of support for the total ban of online gambling during the ongoing plenary session. 

Flood control

Further, Erwin Tulfo also filed a resolution directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the reported abuse of flood control programs and related projects, in a bid to address the country’s flooding problem. 

In proposed Senate Resolution No. 31, the younger Tulfo emphasized that despite the continuous implementation of flood control projects funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA), widespread and severe flooding continues to affect many areas. 

“Considering the persistent and widespread occurrence of flooding nationwide, despite significant budgetary allocation, there exists a compelling and immediate necessity to develop and execute a comprehensive, integrated flood control master plan,” the resolution read.

“Moreover, it is imperative to assess and determine flood control projects that are inconsistent with the administration's infrastructure priorities, with due regard to the urgency of need, implementation readiness, and the absorptive capacity of DPWH  (Department of Public Works and Highways) and other concerned agencies,” it added. 

During his fourth SONA, Marcos ordered the DPWH to submit a list of flood control projects in the last three years.

The President said there will be a regional monitoring committee that will examine the projects to see their progress and if they exist.

"We will publish this list so that the public can see it," Marcos said. "At the same time, there will be an audit and performance review of these projects to check and make sure and to know how your money was spent."

"Sa mga susunod na buwan, makakasuhan ang mga lalabas na maysala mula sa imbestigasyon pati na ang kasabwat na kontratista sa buong bansa. Kailangan malaman ng taumbayan and katotohanan, kailangan may managot sa matinding pinsala at katiwalian," the President added.

(In the next few months, those found guilty based on the investigation will be charged, as well as their accomplice contractor. The people need to know the truth, someone needs to be held accountable for their consequences and corruption.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News