Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by Representative Lordan G. Suan 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The rise of esports as a global phenomenon has brought about significant 
changes in the sports and entertainment industries. Esports has evolved from 
being a niche activity to a multi-billion-dollar industry that attracts millions of 
players and viewers worldwide. In the Philippines, esports has also gained 
popularity in recent years, with many Filipinos engaging in esports 
competitions, both as players and spectators. 
The Philippines has won several international esports competitions. Some 
of the most notable ones are: 
1. The Mobile Legends – Bang Bang:
a. During the M2 World Championship, the Filipino team, Bren
Esports, won the championship and took home the grand prize of
$300,000.
b. During the M3 World Championship, the Filipino team, Blacklist
International defeated fellow countrymen ONIC Philippines to
win the championship and took home the grand prize of
$800,000.
c. During the M4 World Championship, the Filipino team, ECHO
Philippines defeated fellow countrymen Blacklist International to
win the championship and took home the grand prize of
$800,000.
2. The Dota 2 Southeast Asia Championship (2018) – The Filipino team,
Mineski, won the championship and took home the grand prize of
$370,000.
March 2, 2023
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3. Euneil “Staz” Javinas won the “Hearthstone” championship at the 
recent World Electronic Sports Games (WESG) 2016 and took home 
US $150,000. 
4. The Free Fire World Series (2021) – The Filipino team, Phoenix Force, 
won the championship and took home the grand prize of $500,000. 
 
However, the growth of the esports industry has also raised concerns 
about the welfare and rights of esports gamers, especially those who represent 
the Philippines in international competitions. Unlike traditional sports, esports 
players face unique challenges, such as long hours of gaming, exposure to blue 
light, and repetitive motion injuries. Moreover, many esports gamers are not 
aware of their rights and may be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse by 
unscrupulous esports organizations. 
 
This proposed bill seeks to address these concerns by promoting and 
protecting the welfare and rights of esports gamers in the Philippines. It 
establishes the rights of esports gamers, including fair compensation, safe 
working conditions, and protection against discrimination, harassment, and 
abuse. It also requires esports organizations to fulfill their obligations to provide 
fair compensation, safe working conditions, and grievance mechanisms for 
esports gamers. 
 
To ensure that esports gamers receive adequate support, this proposed bill 
establishes the National Esports Gamers' Welfare Fund, a special fund that 
provides financial assistance to esports gamers who suffer from injuries, 
illnesses, or disabilities arising from their participation in esports competitions. 
 
This proposed bill recognizes the importance of esports as a growing 
industry that contributes to the economy and provides opportunities for Filipino 
gamers. However, it also acknowledges the need to protect the welfare and 
rights of esports gamers to ensure that they can pursue their passion without 
risking their health and well-being. 
 
It is hoped that this proposed bill will contribute to the development of 
the esports industry in the country and provide a framework for the protection 
of esports gamers. 
 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LORDAN G. SUAN


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by Representative Lordan G. Suan 
AN ACT 
1 
PROVIDING A MAGNA CARTA FOR 
2 
ESPORTS GAMERS 
3 
4 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
5 
Congress assembled: 
6 
7 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta 
8 
for Esports Gamers." 
9 
CHAPTER I 
10 
General Provision 
11 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of 
12 
the State to promote and protect the welfare and rights of esports gamers in the 
13 
country. Towards this end, the State shall recognize the significant 
14 
contributions of esports to the economy and the importance of protecting the 
15 
interests of esports gamers, including fair compensation, safe working 
16 
conditions, and protection against discrimination, harassment, and abuse. 
17 
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SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – For this Act, the following terms 
1 
shall be defined: 
2 
a) Esports – Refers to competitive video gaming in which players 
3 
compete against each other in organized tournaments, leagues, or competitions, 
4 
both on the local or world stage. 
5 
b) Esports gamer or esports player – Refers to a person who engages in 
6 
esports competitions, either as a professional or amateur player, and who is 
7 
usually engaged, contracted, or employed by an esports organization. 
8 
c) Esports organization – Refers to any entity, group, or association that 
9 
manages and represents professional esports teams and players in various video 
10 
game tournaments and competitions. It also provides support and resources for 
11 
its players, including coaching, training, equipment, and travel expenses. It also 
12 
manages the branding, marketing, and public relations of its teams and players 
13 
to help them gain recognition and support from fans and sponsors. 
14 
d) International esports competition – Refers to esports competition that 
15 
takes place at a regional or global level, including but not limited to Southeast 
16 
Asian-level, Asian-level, or World-level competitions, in which players or 
17 
teams from multiple countries compete against each other in esports. 
18 
e) National esports gamers or national esports players – Refers to 
19 
esports gamers who are Filipino citizens, recognized and accredited by the 
20 
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and who have represented the country in 
21 
international esports competitions. 
22 


CHAPTER II 
1 
Rights, Benefits, and Privileges for All Esports Gamers 
2 
SECTION 4. Rights of All Esports Gamers. – All esports gamers are 
3 
entitled to the following rights: 
4 
a) Right to fair and just compensation and benefits, in accordance with 
5 
applicable laws; 
6 
b) Right to be free from discrimination on any basis, including but not 
7 
limited to gender, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, and national origin; 
8 
c) Right to be free from bullying and cyberbullying, both in and outside 
9 
of the workplace; 
10 
d) Right to receive timely payment for their work; 
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e) Right to negotiate for better compensation and benefits; 
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f) Right to safe and healthy working conditions, including adequate rest 
13 
periods; 
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g) Right to access medical and mental health services, as necessary for 
15 
their well-being; 
16 
h) Right to participate in esports competitions without discrimination, 
17 
harassment, or abuse of any kind; and 
18 
i) Right to intellectual property protection of their gaming profiles, 
19 
personas, and achievements, including any associated branding, merchandise, 
20 
or endorsements. 
21 


SECTION 5. Benefits and Privileges for All Esports Gamers. – The 
1 
following benefits and privileges shall be extended to all esports gamers: 
2 
 
3 
a) Free legal consultations - The PSC shall provide free legal 
4 
consultations, either in-person or online, to all esports gamers for the purpose 
5 
of ensuring that any contracts entered into by the gamers are fair and equitable. 
6 
The consultations may cover a range of issues, such as contract negotiation, 
7 
intellectual property rights, and other legal matters related to esports gaming. 
8 
b) Free medical consultations - The PSC shall also provide free medical 
9 
consultations, either in-person or online, to all esports gamers. These 
10 
consultations may include general health and wellness advice, injury 
11 
prevention, and other healthcare needs specific to esports gaming. 
12 
The PSC shall appoint a team of legal and medical experts who specialize 
13 
in esports law and healthcare to conduct these consultations. The consultations 
14 
shall be made available to all esports gamers, regardless of their level of 
15 
experience or status. 
16 
The PSC shall work with esports organizations and industry stakeholders 
17 
to promote the availability of these consultations and to encourage esports 
18 
gamers to take advantage of them. 
19 
CHAPTER III 
20 
Benefits, and Privileges for National Esports Gamers 
21 


SECTION 6. Benefits and Privileges for National Esports Gamers. – All 
1 
national esports gamers shall be entitled to the following benefits and 
2 
privileges: 
3 
a) Free medical and dental consultations in government hospitals and 
4 
similar establishments anywhere in the country; 
5 
b) Coverage in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the 
6 
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHILHEALTH) through the 
7 
sponsored program of the PSC; 
8 
c) A comprehensive social security program to be formulated by the 
9 
Social Security System within one hundred eighty (180) days from the 
10 
approval of this Act; and 
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d) Priority in existing livelihood programs being undertaken by various 
12 
government agencies subject to the guidelines and qualifications set by the 
13 
implementing body. 
14 
SECTION 7. Scholarship Benefits for National Esports Gamers. – Any 
15 
national esports gamer who achieves victory, either individually or as part of a 
16 
team, in a recognized major international esports competition shall be entitled 
17 
to scholarship benefits in the form of full tuition fees and allowances for a 
18 
college or university degree at any state college or university. The winning 
19 
national esports gamer shall be given priority in availing of state college or 
20 
university scholarship grants. 
21 


Furthermore, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the 
1 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall accord 
2 
priority to winning national esports gamers who seek scholarship grants and 
3 
enroll in their programs, subject to CHED and TESDA regulations, policies, 
4 
and qualifications for all applicants. 
5 
Private colleges and universities are encouraged to establish similar 
6 
programs that support national esports gamers in their institutions. 
7 
SECTION 8. Death Benefits for National Esports Gamers. – In the event 
8 
of the death of a national esports gamer, a lump sum benefit of one hundred 
9 
thousand pesos (₱100,000.00) shall be granted. The primary beneficiaries of 
10 
this benefit shall be the legitimate spouse and children of the deceased. If there 
11 
are no primary beneficiaries, the benefit shall be given to the secondary 
12 
beneficiaries, namely, the parents and, in their absence, the brothers or sisters 
13 
of the deceased national esports gamer. 
14 
SECTION 
9. 
Availment 
of 
Benefits 
and 
Privileges. 
– 
The 
15 
abovementioned benefits and privileges shall be availed by national esports 
16 
gamers upon presentation of a valid identification card, renewable every two 
17 
(2) years, to be issued by the PSC: Provided, That national esports gamers shall 
18 
not avail of said benefits and privileges under Section 5 of this Act in 
19 
combination with similar benefits and privileges under other existing laws. 
20 
CHAPTER IV 
21 
Obligations 
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SECTION 10. Obligations of Esports Organizations. – All esports 
1 
organizations shall have the following obligations: 
2 
a) 
To provide fair and just compensation, including minimum wages and 
3 
benefits as mandated by law, to all esports gamers; 
4 
b) 
To ensure that their compensation practices are nondiscriminatory 
5 
and comply with all applicable laws and regulations; 
6 
c) 
To provide safe spaces for esports gamers to express their mind and 
7 
feelings free from discrimination and cyberbullying; 
8 
d) 
To ensure safe and healthy working conditions for all esports gamers, 
9 
including ergonomic equipment, proper lighting, ventilation, and adequate rest 
10 
periods; 
11 
e) 
To provide access to medical and mental health services, including 
12 
counseling and treatment for injuries or illnesses related to gaming; 
13 
f) 
To establish grievance mechanisms for esports gamers to report 
14 
discrimination, harassment, or abuse; 
15 
g) 
To provide intellectual property protection to esports gamers' gaming 
16 
profiles, personas, and achievements; and 
17 
h) 
To ensure that esports gamers have ample opportunity to socialize 
18 
and develop their social skills. 
19 
SECTION 11. Obligations of Relevant Government Agencies. – The 
20 
following government agencies shall have the obligations: 
21 


a) The PSC shall recognize esports as a legitimate sport and provide 
1 
support and resources for its development while ensuring that regulations and 
2 
policies are fair and equitable to all stakeholders. 
3 
b) The Games and Amusement Board (GAB) shall regulate esports in a 
4 
manner that promotes fair competition, player safety, and consumer protection, 
5 
without imposing excessive charges or unnecessary restrictions. The GAB shall 
6 
work with relevant stakeholders to develop industry standards and best 
7 
practices that align with international standards. 
8 
SECTION 12. Licenses or Permits. – All relevant government agencies 
9 
shall ensure the timely and efficient issuance of permits or licenses for national 
10 
esports gamers. Such permits or licenses shall be processed expeditiously and 
11 
without undue delay, with due consideration given to the interests of the public, 
12 
as well as the rights and obligations of the parties involved. 
13 
CHAPTER V 
14 
National Esports Gamers’ Welfare Fund 
15 
SECTION 13. Establishment of the National Esports Gamers’ Welfare 
16 
Fund. – A special fund called the "E-sports Gamers' Welfare Fund" (Fund) 
17 
shall be established in the Philippine Sports Commission to provide benefits, 
18 
incentives, and financial assistance to national esports gamers who suffer from 
19 
injuries, illnesses, or disabilities arising from their participation in or 
20 
preparation for esports competitions. 
21 


SECTION 14. Sources of Fund. – The Esports Gamers’ Welfare Fund 
1 
(Fund) shall be financed by, but not limited to, the following sources: 
2 
a)  The Fund shall be derived from at least twenty-five percent (25%) of 
3 
the Games and Amusement Board's share in the income related to esports, as 
4 
determined by its resolution; 
5 
b) The Fund shall be sourced in part from the net cash income of the 
6 
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR); 
7 
c) The Fund shall also be sourced in part from the regular income share of 
8 
the PSC; and 
9 
d) The Fund may be derived from other sources of funding as provided 
10 
for in the implementing rules and regulations, subject to applicable laws and 
11 
regulations. 
12 
CHAPTER VI 
13 
Philippine Esports Hall of Fame 
14 
SECTION 15. Establishment of the Philippine Esports Hall of Fame. – 
15 
There shall be established a Philippine Esports Hall of Fame, hereinafter 
16 
referred to as the Philippine Esports Hall of Fame, to enshrine the Filipino 
17 
esports gamers who have distinguished themselves in their particular field of 
18 
esports. 
19 
The candidates to the Esports Hall of Fame shall be limited to those 
20 
Filipino esports gamers who have won in a major international esports 
21 
competition and who possess character and integrity. 
22 


The screening committee set up by the PSC under Republic Act No. 8757 
1 
shall be tasked to accept nominations and screen candidates for the Esports 
2 
Hall of Fame. 
3 
CHAPTER VII 
4 
Promotion of Esports in Summer Youth Camps 
5 
SECTION 16. Promotion of Esports in Youth Camps. – Esports shall be 
6 
included among the sports to be promoted in youth camps established in every 
7 
barangay by Republic Act No. 11910 or the Summer Youth Camp Act. 
8 
CHAPTER VIII 
9 
Final Provisions 
10 
SECTION 17. Penalties. – Violations of the provisions of this Act shall be 
11 
penalized as follows: 
12 
a) Any esports organization found to have violated the provisions of this 
13 
Act shall be subject to penalties, including fines, suspension or revocation of 
14 
licenses, and other sanctions as may be provided by law. 
15 
b) Any government personnel found to have violated the provisions of 
16 
this Act shall be subject to penalties, including fines, suspension or dismissal 
17 
from government service, and other sanctions as may be provided by law. 
18 
SECTION 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The PSC, in 
19 
consultation with the GAB, Department of Health (DOH), Department of 
20 
Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Labor 
21 
and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Authority 
22 
(POEA), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), 
23 


CHED, Department of Education (DepEd), TESDA and accredited esports 
1 
associations in the Philippines, shall promulgate the necessary rules and 
2 
regulations for the implementation of this Act. 
3 
SECTION 19. Publication. – This law and its implementing rules and 
4 
regulations shall be published and made available on the websites of all 
5 
government agencies concerned and who took part in the crafting of the 
6 
implementing rules and regulations. 
7 
SECTION 20. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
8 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or on any official website provided 
9 
by law. 
10 
Approved, 
11 
 
12