Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The esports (electronic sports) industry has emerged as a dynamic driver of economic 
activity and a platform to showcase the talent and strategic acumen of Filipino players on the 
global stage. Over the years, the Philippines has become one of the most vibrant esports 
markets in Southeast Asia. 
Filipino teams have achieved remarkable international success. TNC Predator, a 
Philippine-based esports team, has earned over USD 4.6 million in total winnings since its 
inception in 2013.1 In the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, the first to feature esports as a medal 
event, Filipino athletes secured five medals, including a gold medal in Mobile Legends: Bang 
Bang.2  
The Philippine esports market now has over 43 million active gamers and has grown 
by an average of 12.9% annually since 2017, according to YCPS Marketing & Communication 
Group.3 Globally, the Esports Market was valued at USD 1.97 billion in 2023, and is projected 
to reach USD 5.18 billion by 2029,4 signaling a robust and growing market that the country is 
well-positioned to participate in if properly supported. The Philippines has hosted several 
prestigious tournaments that have not only elevated the Philippines' esports reputation but 
also brought significant benefits to the tourism sector. The Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST) acknowledged the sector’s capacity to create jobs and drive the digital 
economy, stating that the Philippines is poised to become a regional center for game 
development and esports.5 
Despite these gains, challenges that hinder the growth of the local esports ecosystem 
remain. Filipino players have faced barriers such as visa denials due to the absence of an 
official representative body. In 2021, Bren Esports’ Valorant squad, winners of the Southeast 
1 Ordonez, John Victor. (2022, August 2). Philippine esports can be a game changer, experts say. Business World Online. 
https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2022/08/02/465301/philippine-esports-can-be-a-game-changer-experts-
say/#:~:text=Video%20game%20streamers%20earn%20as,according%20to%20esports%20portal%20GosuGamers. 
2 GMA News Online. (2019, December 9). Sibol makes history, claims first gold medal in SEA Games eSports. 
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/718453/sibol-makes-history-claims-first-gold-medal-in-sea-games-
esports/story/ 
3 Asia Sports Tech. (n.d.). Why the Philippines is a rising sports and esports market to watch. 
https://asiasportstech.com/portfolio/philippines-sports-esports/ 
4 Business Wire. (2025, February 24). Esports market report: Sponsorships, media rights & revenue projections for 2025–2029. 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250224569402/en/Esports-Market-Report-Sponsorships-Media-Rights-Revenue-
Projections-for-2025-2029---ResearchAndMarkets.com
5 Montemayor, Ma. Teresa. (2025, July 7). DOST: PH has thriving economic ecosystem in e-sports, game dev’t. Philippine 
News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1253732 
August 14, 2025
7:00 pm
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Asia qualifiers, were unable to compete in the VCT Stage 3 Masters in Berlin due to visa 
issues exacerbated by pandemic-related restrictions.6 
There is also a pressing need to distinguish esports from gambling through official 
regulation and institutional recognition. This distinction is vital to legitimizing esports as a 
professional career path and educational opportunity. Industry stakeholders, emphasize the 
importance of institutional support, similar to that in South Korea, China, and Saudi Arabia 
who have now fully accepted esports as a sport.7 
Esports is no longer limited to gaming alone; it spans a broader ecosystem involving 
analytical tools, broadcasting platforms, education, and wellness support. As such, 
safeguards, especially around the participation of minors, must be enforced through regulatory 
frameworks. 
Given its economic, cultural, and developmental impact, it is both timely and necessary 
to establish the Philippine Esports Commission (PEC), an independent body that will serve as 
the central authority in formulating and implementing policies for esports development in the 
country. The PEC will coordinate with agencies such as the Philippine Sports Commission, 
Department of Education, Department of Tourism, Department of Information and 
Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Higher 
Education, National Youth Commission, and Technical Education and Skills Development 
Authority, among others. Through this collaborative governance, the PEC will foster 
infrastructure development, talent support programs, and international competitiveness for the 
Philippine esports industry. 
This legislative measure echoes the mandate of Section 17, Article II of the 1987 
Constitution, which provides that the State shall give priority to education, science and 
technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism, accelerate social progress, and 
promote total human development. 
In pursuit of a sustainable and inclusive esports ecosystem for the Filipino people, the 
immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE 
6 Dioquino ,Delfin. (2021, September 3). Bren Esports to miss Valorant Masters in Berlin because of visa issues. 
https://www.rappler.com/sports/bren-esports-miss-valorant-masters-berlin-visa-issues/ 
7 Emergen Research. (2025). Esports market, by revenue stream (media rights, sponsorship, advertising, publisher fees, 
merchandise & tickets, others); by game genre (MOBA, FPS, RTS, sports, others); by platform; by end-user; and by region, 
forecast to 2034. https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/esports-market?srsltid=AfmBOorvkRs-
bfep1lRK0B6Ft29QRqtqKt_YLQDa_xSdCEjH5JWH2YUw


HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING AND ORGANIZING THE PHILIPPINE ESPORTS COMMISSION 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as "Esports Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to assist the youth in realizing 
their full potential and enabling them to contribute to national development. The State 
recognizes the role of technology in nation-building and the need to support sports programs, 
including amateur esports, to cultivate self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence. Pursuant to 
this, the State shall implement measures to organize and promote the esports industry, 
support youth participation through development programs, and establish infrastructure that 
enhances the Philippines’ capacity to compete globally while boosting economic growth 
through esports. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, the following terms are defined 
as follows: 
(a) Esports – Competitive, organized video gaming where players or teams compete via
an online or local platform.
(b) Esports Facilities – Venues, equipment, digital infrastructure, and technological
systems used for training, competitions, or broadcasting of esports.
(c) Esports Industry – The sector involving the creation, development, promotion, and
commercialization of goods and services related to esports.
(d) Esports Player – Any individual registered with a recognized esports organization for
the purpose of participating in competitive esports.
(e) Esports Organization – A legal entity engaged in the operation, promotion, or
regulation of esports-related activities or competitions.
SECTION 4. Creation of the Philippine Esports Commission (PEC). – There is hereby 
created the Philippine Esports Commission (PEC), hereinafter referred to as the Commission, 
which shall serve as the primary policy-making, governing, and regulatory agency for all 
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esports activities in the country. It shall function independently of the Philippine Sports 
Commission (PSC). 
 
SECTION 5. Status of the Commission. – The Commission shall function as a national 
government regulatory agency attached to the Office of the President. The Chairperson shall 
have the rank equivalent to an Undersecretary, while the Commissioners shall hold the rank 
of Assistant Secretaries. 
 
SECTION 6. Nature of the Commission. – The Commission shall possess corporate powers, 
including the authority to sue and be sued, and shall be the sole policy-making and 
coordinating body for amateur and developmental esports programs. Provided, that in the 
case of esports in schools, the development and implementation of such programs shall be 
undertaken by the Department of Education (DepEd), with assistance from the Commission 
and relevant agencies, within the framework of the national sports development agenda. 
 
SECTION 7. Objectives of the Commission. – The objectives of the Commission are as 
follows: 
 
(a) To formally recognize, develop, and promote the esports industry; 
 
(b) To provide a platform for the youth to enhance their creativity, critical thinking, and 
emotional intelligence while safeguarding their welfare; 
 
(c) To raise awareness of esports as a legitimate form of sport and profession; 
 
(d) To lead in the formulation of policies and direction for esports development; 
 
(e) To foster inclusive participation from both the public and private sectors in esports 
initiatives; 
 
(f) To augment public funds for esports promotion and development; and 
 
(g) To harness the potential of esports as a contributor to national economic growth. 
 
SECTION 8. Composition of the Commission. – The Commission shall be composed of 
a Chairperson, to be appointed by the President of the Philippines, and four (4) 
Commissioners, who shall be appointed by the Chairperson. 
 
SECTION 9. Powers and Functions of the Commission. – The Commission shall have the 
following powers and functions: 
 
(a) Formulate and implement standardized policies, rules, and formats for esports 
competitions in the Philippines; 
 
(b) Develop a national master plan for medium- and long-term esports development; 
 
(c) Promote international esports competitions and facilitate cooperation and exchange 
programs with foreign counterparts; 
 
(d) Establish and maintain linkages with international esports associations and 
organizations; 
 
(e) Promote research and technological development for esports, including related 
infrastructure; 
 


(f) Mobilize and secure funding to support esports development initiatives; 
 
(g) Establish and operate an esports industry support center to provide advisory, 
technical, and career services; 
 
(h) Develop mechanisms to support a balanced approach to esports, education, and 
family life for student players; 
 
(i) Confer recognition and awards to individuals and organizations that have contributed 
to the growth of esports; 
 
(j) Recommend budget allocations for esports to DepEd, DOT, DICT, DTI, CHED, NYC, 
TESDA, PSC, and other relevant agencies; 
 
(k) Oversee and ensure the implementation of esports programs by various government 
entities; and 
 
(l) Exercise such other powers as may be necessary to accomplish the objectives of this 
Act. 
 
SECTION 10. Organizational Structure and Staffing. – The Commission shall determine its 
organizational structure and staffing pattern, subject to evaluation by the Civil Service 
Commission and the Organizational Position Classification and Compensation Bureau of the 
Department of Budget and Management. 
 
SECTION 11. Chairperson of the Commission. – The Chairperson shall serve a term of four 
(4) years and may be reappointed for one additional term. The Chairperson shall: 
 
(a) Execute policies, programs, and directives approved by the Commission; 
 
(b) Submit proposed measures and rules to the Board for approval; 
 
(c) Represent the Commission in domestic and international affairs; and 
 
(d) Perform such other duties as may be delegated by the Board or as may be necessary 
to carry out the functions of the Commission. 
 
SECTION 12. Government Support. – The Commission may request assistance from any 
government office, agency, or instrumentality in the performance of its functions. All 
government entities are hereby directed to render full cooperation and support for the effective 
implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 13. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be 
charged against the National Treasury. Thereafter, the Commission shall be provided with a 
separate annual appropriation under the General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the Commission, in coordination with relevant agencies including the 
PSC, DepEd, DOT, DICT, DTI, DOLE, CHED, NYC, and TESDA, shall promulgate the 
implementing rules and regulations necessary for its effective implementation. 
 
SECTION 15. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional 
or invalid, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
 


SECTION 16. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and other 
issuances inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 17. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,