A committee of the Dagupan City council is drafting a possible ordinance or resolution that aims to draw the attention of residents, particularly the youth, away from online gaming and gambling.

Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo, chair of the committee on laws, ordinances and judiciary, said in a privilege speech during the September 29 session of the council that Catholic church leaders and the city police have expressed deep concern over the increasing addiction to online gaming and gambling, which have become easily accessible through mobile gadgets.

The Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, following Senate hearings, has ordered mobile wallets and payment applications to remove links to online gambling platforms.

The Senate, meanwhile, is looking at a total ban on online gambling if regulations fail to address the social problems associated with online gambling. Regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), however, is opposing a total ban.

Tamayo said there have been reports of people losing their money and property due to the addiction.

The committee plans to invite policemen, church representatives, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and sociologists in the coming hearings to get their views and suggestions on how to address the problem of online gaming or gambling. (Leonardo Micua)