SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into students’ engagement in online gambling.

Gatchalian expressed alarm over how easily young learners can access online gambling platforms without adult supervision.

“Dahil nakatutok ang mga kabataan sa cellphone o computer, mas madali silang mahikayat ng online gambling advertisements na nasa websites at social media channels tulad ng Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, at YouTube. They just provide their basic information, and they can already access multiple promos and cash-in options,” he said.

The senator flagged that while students are legally barred from gambling, there is no clear national policy or education-based initiative to curb both online and offline gambling in schools.

The World Health Organization classifies gambling disorder as a behavioral addiction, which can lead to school absenteeism, theft, psychological distress, and long-term addictive behavior.

Current laws prohibit individuals under 21 years old, or any student enrolled in a school, college, or university in the Philippines, from gambling. Gatchalian also noted that e-wallets are fueling student gambling, as digital platforms exploit the youth through weak age verification, addictive features, and instant gratification.