Raising the stakes, and 'Cain'?

June and July have been quite busy months for Pagcor. Beyond the numerous “good deeds” that they regularly organize and produce as decreed by their Charter, there’s the added element of getting caught up in the media storm that’s brewing about the proliferation of online gambling, and its repercussions on the general public, and on our youth in particular.

- PHILIP CU UNJIENG

“Incited” by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Caloocan, and picked up by several lawmakers and concerned citizens groups, the fundamental position of Bishop David is that he is strongly opposed to online gambling, particularly electronic cockfighting — the very popular e-sabong. His argument is that it’s a significant threat to public welfare and mental health; and that due to its accessibility on any device, it’s far more dangerous than traditional gambling.

He has honed in on e-sabong, highly critical of its legalization and how prevalent it has become. He highlights how it can be accessed by anyone, including children; and that addiction to gambling is a mental health issue that needs to be understood. Its potential to negatively impact society, especially vulnerable individuals, should not be underestimated.

Rightly, on this issue, Pagcor remained neutral. It simply stated that it was the prerogative of the lawmakers to propose laws which would be beneficial to the public, and that Pagcor is duty bound to follow any and all relevant regulations once they are passed by Congress, and signed into law by the President. And the statement continued with, “In the meantime, rest assured that Pagcor remains fully committed to intensifying its efforts in the ongoing battle against the proliferation of illegal online gaming activities, together with like-minded agencies and organizations, and with the support of all gaming industry stakeholders.”