Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT PROVIDING A MAGNA CARTA FOR ESPORTS GAMERS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Esports has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years, and millions of 
people all around the world now play video games competitively. With millions of 
dollars in annual prize money, sponsorship fees, and advertising income, esports 
has also developed into a lucrative sector. Esports has had substantial growth in 
the Philippines, where multiple events and contests are held annually. 
Despite Esports' rising popularity, it has become urgent to address the lack of a 
legal framework and protection for Esports players. A large number of workers are 
not provided with any benefits, including health insurance, scholarship programs, 
and other fundamental labor safeguards. 
By establishing a legislative framework that safeguards and advances the rights 
and welfare of Esports players, "AN ACT PROVIDING A MAGNA CARTA FOR 
ESPORTS GAMERS" seeks to solve these problems.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common 
good of the Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
April 24, 2023
8:44 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT PROVIDING A MAGNA CARTA FOR ESPORTS GAMERS 
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 the "Magna Carta 
for Esports Gamers." 
CHAPTER I 
General Provision 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of 
the State to promote and protect the welfare and rights of esports gamers in the 
country. Towards this end, the State shall recognize the significant 
contributions of esports to the economy and the importance of protecting the 
interests of esports gamers, including fair compensation, safe working 
conditions, and protection against discrimination, harassment, and abuse 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – For this Act, the following terms 
shall be defined: 
a) Esports – Refers to competitive video gaming in which players
compete against each other in organized tournaments, leagues, or competitions,
both on the local or world stage.
b) Esports gamer or esports player – Refers to a person who engages in
esports competitions, either as a professional or amateur player, and who is
usually engaged, contracted, or employed by an esports organization.
c) Esports organization – Refers to any entity, group, or association that
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manages and represents professional esports teams and players in various 
video 
game tournaments and competitions. It also provides support and resources for 
its players, including coaching, training, equipment, and travel expenses. It also 
manages the branding, marketing, and public relations of its teams and players 
to help them gain recognition and support from fans and sponsors. 
 
d) International esports competition – Refers to esports competition that 
takes place at a regional or global level, including but not limited to Southeast 
Asian-level, Asian-level, or World-level competitions, in which players or 
teams from multiple countries compete against each other in esports. 
 
e) National esports gamers or national esports players – Refers to 
esports gamers who are Filipino citizens, recognized and accredited by the 
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and who have represented the country in 
international esports competitions. 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
Rights, Benefits, and Privileges for All Esports Gamers 
 
SECTION 4. Rights of All Esports Gamers. – All esports gamers are 
entitled to the following rights: 
a) Right to fair and just compensation and benefits, in accordance with 
applicable laws; 
b) Right to be free from discrimination on any basis, including but not 
limited to gender, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, and national origin; 
c) Right to be free from bullying and cyberbullying, both in and outside 
of the workplace; 
d) Right to receive timely payment for their work; 
e) Right to negotiate for better compensation and benefits; 
f) Right to safe and healthy working conditions, including adequate rest 
periods; 
g) Right to access medical and mental health services, as necessary for 
their well-being; 
h) Right to participate in esports competitions without discrimination, 
harassment, or abuse of any kind; and 
i) Right to intellectual property protection of their gaming profiles, 
personas, and achievements, including any associated branding, merchandise, 
or endorsements. 
 
SECTION 5. Benefits and Privileges for All Esports Gamers. – The 
following benefits and privileges shall be extended to all esports gamers: 
 
a) Free legal consultations - The PSC shall provide free legal 
consultations, either in-person or online, to all esports gamers for the purpose 


 
of ensuring that any contracts entered into by the gamers are fair and equitable. 
The consultations may cover a range of issues, such as contract negotiation, 
intellectual property rights, and other legal matters related to esports gaming. 
 
b) Free medical consultations - The PSC shall also provide free medical 
consultations, either in-person or online, to all esports gamers. These 
consultations may include general health and wellness advice, injury 
prevention, and other healthcare needs specific to esports gaming. 
The PSC shall appoint a team of legal and medical experts who specialize 
in esports law and healthcare to conduct these consultations. The consultations 
shall be made available to all esports gamers, regardless of their level of 
experience or status. 
The PSC shall work with esports organizations and industry stakeholders 
to promote the availability of these consultations and to encourage esports 
gamers to take advantage of them. 
 
CHAPTER III 
Benefits, and Privileges for National Esports Gamers 
SECTION 6. Benefits and Privileges for National Esports Gamers. – All 
national esports gamers shall be entitled to the following benefits and 
privileges: 
 
a) Free medical and dental consultations in government hospitals and4 
similar establishments anywhere in the country; 
 
b) Coverage in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the 
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHILHEALTH) through the 
sponsored program of the PSC; 
 
c) A comprehensive social security program to be formulated by the 
Social Security System within one hundred eighty (180) days from the 
approval of this Act; and 
 
d) Priority in existing livelihood programs being undertaken by various 
government agencies subject to the guidelines and qualifications set by the 
implementing body. 
 
SECTION 7. Scholarship Benefits for National Esports Gamers. – Any 
national esports gamer who achieves victory, either individually or as part of a 
team, in a recognized major international esports competition shall be entitled 
to scholarship benefits in the form of full tuition fees and allowances for a 
college or university degree at any state college or university. The winning 
national esports gamer shall be given priority in availing of state college or 
university scholarship grants. 
Furthermore, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall accord 


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


 
a) The PSC shall recognize esports as a legitimate sport and provide 
support and resources for its development while ensuring that regulations and 
policies are fair and equitable to all stakeholders. 
b) The Games and Amusement Board (GAB) shall regulate esports in a 
manner that promotes fair competition, player safety, and consumer protection, 
without imposing excessive charges or unnecessary restrictions. The GAB shall 
work with relevant stakeholders to develop industry standards and best 
practices that align with international standards. 
 
SECTION 12. Licenses or Permits. – All relevant government agencies 
shall ensure the timely and efficient issuance of permits or licenses for national 
esports gamers. Such permits or licenses shall be processed expeditiously and 
without undue delay, with due consideration given to the interests of the public, 
as well as the rights and obligations of the parties involved. 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
National Esports Gamers’ Welfare Fund 
 
SECTION 13. Establishment of the National Esports Gamers’ Welfare 
Fund. – A special fund called the "E-sports Gamers' Welfare Fund" (Fund) 
shall be established in the Philippine Sports Commission to provide benefits, 
incentives, and financial assistance to national esports gamers who suffer from 
injuries, illnesses, or disabilities arising from their participation in or 
preparation for esports competitions. 
 
SECTION 14. Sources of Fund. – The Esports Gamers’ Welfare Fund 
(Fund) shall be financed by, but not limited to, the following sources: 
a) The Fund shall be derived from at least twenty-five percent (25%) of 
the Games and Amusement Board's share in the income related to esports, as 
determined by its resolution; 
b) The Fund shall be sourced in part from the net cash income of the 
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR); 
c) The Fund shall also be sourced in part from the regular income share of 
the PSC; and 
d) The Fund may be derived from other sources of funding as provided 
for in the implementing rules and regulations, subject to applicable laws and 
regulations. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 
Philippine Esports Hall of Fame 
 
SECTION 15. Establishment of the Philippine Esports Hall of Fame. – 
There shall be established a Philippine Esports Hall of Fame, hereinafter 
referred to as the Philippine Esports Hall of Fame, to enshrine the Filipino 


 
esports gamers who have distinguished themselves in their particular field of 
esports. 
The candidates to the Esports Hall of Fame shall be limited to those 
Filipino esports gamers who have won in a major international esports 
competition and who possess character and integrity. 
The screening committee set up by the PSC under Republic Act No. 8757 
shall be tasked to accept nominations and screen candidates for the Esports 
Hall of Fame. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 
Promotion of Esports in Summer Youth Camps 
 
SECTION 16. Promotion of Esports in Youth Camps. – Esports shall be 
included among the sports to be promoted in youth camps established in every 
barangay by Republic Act No. 11910 or the Summer Youth Camp Act. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
Final Provisions 
 
SECTION 17. Penalties. – Violations of the provisions of this Act shall be 
penalized as follows: 
a) Any esports organization found to have violated the provisions of this 
Act shall be subject to penalties, including fines, suspension or revocation of 
licenses, and other sanctions as may be provided by law. 
b) Any government personnel found to have violated the provisions of 
this Act shall be subject to penalties, including fines, suspension or dismissal 
from government service, and other sanctions as may be provided by law. 
 
SECTION 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The PSC, in 
consultation with the GAB, Department of Health (DOH), Department of 
Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Labor 
and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Authority 
(POEA), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), 
CHED, Department of Education (DepEd), TESDA and accredited esports 
associations in the Philippines, shall promulgate the necessary rules and 
regulations for the implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 19. Publication. – This law and its implementing rules and 
regulations shall be published and made available on the websites of all 
government agencies concerned and who took part in the crafting of the 
implementing rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 20. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 


 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or on any official website provided 
by law. 
Approved,