Cebu archbishop-designate calls for online gambling ban
The archbishop-designate of Cebu in the Philippines has called on Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ban online gambling in the country permanently.
Alberto Uy, who will formally assume his new ministry on 30 September, posted a statement to Facebook on 25 July titled On the Danger of Online Gambling. In the statement, Uy criticized the government for its handling of online gambling, saying that it destroys families and corrupts values.
The post reads, “Online gambling is not just a private vice. It is a public sin with widespread consequences. It disguises itself as entertainment, but it operates as an addiction. It promises easy money but delivers misery.”
In addition to criticizing the government, Uy urged lawmakers and the President to protect “human dignity” over government profit, pleading with the President to consider banning online gambling.
Uy said, “For this reason, I am making a direct and heartfelt appeal to the President of the Philippines and to our lawmakers. We beg you: please put a total and permanent ban on online gambling in the country. Do not allow this poison to continue spreading into the homes, phones, and hearts of our people.”
Uy also called upon Filipino families to reject online gambling, ending his statement with,
“To all Filipinos of good will, especially those in positions of power and influence: Choose life. Choose honesty. Choose holiness. Choose a future free from the chains of gambling.”
Uy’s post comes in the wake of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines two weeks ago, which also pleaded with the government to put tighter restrictions on the gambling industry, primarily focusing on restricting youth access to online gambling.
Dig deeper
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
Verticals:
Sectors:
Topics:
