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TWENTIETH CONGRESS ‘e, Ss
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House Bill No._““ "7

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE JANICE V. DEGAMO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In recent years, the rapid proliferation of digital gambling platforms, accessible
from smartphones and tablets, has made gambling more convenient than ever. While
these platforms have generated significant revenue for the country, they have also
increased the risk of problem gambling and addiction, particularly among vulnerable
individuals with easy access and limited safeguards.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) currently offers
a self-exclusion program, allowing individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from
entering gaming establishments or using online platforms. However, the current system
requires physical submission of documents, posing an unnecessary barrier for those who
need urgent help, especially those in rural areas, persons with disabilities, or individuals
in emotional crisis who may be discouraged by bureaucratic steps. In a digital era where
‘one can open a gambling account in minutes, the same ease of access should be extended
to protective mechanisms like self-exclusion.

This bill seeks to mandate PAGCOR to develop and implement a secure,
accessible, and mobile-friendly online system where gamblers may electronically submit
their request to self-exclude from gambling activities. This includes identity verification
through digital means and ensures full compliance with privacy and data protection laws.

By eliminating barriers to self-protection and enabling at-risk individuals to take
control of their behavior with dignity and ease, this bill upholds the principle of
responsible gaming and strengthens the government's commitment to inclusive and
compassionate public service.

Approval of this bill is carnestly sought.

ee

Representati District of Negros Oriental


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
2948

House Bill No.

Introduced by HONORABLE JANICE V. DEGAMO

AN ACT
MANDATING THE PHILIPPINE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING
CORPORATION (PAGCOR) TO ESTABLISH A SECURE AND ACCESSIBLE
ONLINE SYSTEM FOR THE SUBMISSION OF SELF-EXCLUSION REQUESTS
FROM GAMBLING ACTIVITIES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Title, This Act shall be known as the “Online Self-Exclusion
Accessibility Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to protect the well-
being of its citizens from the adverse effects of gambling addiction by strengthening the
accessibility and effectiveness of harm-reduction tools. In a digital era where gambling
platforms are readily accessible via smartphones, the State shall ensure that systems for
self-regulation and protection, such as self-exclusion mechanisms are equally accessible
through secure digital channels.

Section 3. Mandate for Online Self-Exclusion System. The Philippine
Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is hereby mandated to:

a. Develop and maintain a secure, mobile-friendly online system where individuals
may voluntarily request to be excluded from participating in all forms of
gambling activities regulated by PAGCOR, including by not limited to land-
based casinos, online gaming platforms, e-bingo, and other digital or in-person
gambling activities.

b. Allow online submission of self-exclusion requests, supported by digital identity
verification mechanisms, such as:

i. Electronic submission of a valid government-issued ID;

ii, Video or photo confirmation (with real-time timestamp);


iii, Use of existing national ID authentication systems;

iv, Any other secure and inclusive method approved by the DICT and National
Privacy Commission.

Section 4. Accessibility and Language. The online self-exclusion system shall be
available in Filipino, English, and major regional languages, and designed to be
accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs), using text-to-speech features, large font
sizes, and assistive options.

Section 5. Privacy and Data Protection. All information submitted through the
online self-exclusion system shall be strictly confidential, protected under the Data
Privacy Act of 2012, and accessible only to authorized personnel for enforcement
purposes.

Section 6. Enforcement and Integration. PAGOR shall:

a, Integrate the online self-exclusion system with licensed operators’ intemal
systems to automatically block access to gambling accounts, whether physical or
online;

b. Issue regular guidance and updates to operators regarding compliance and
enforcement;

c. Submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the system,
including anonymized usage data and compliance status of licensed
establishments.

Section 7. Public Awareness Campaign. PAGCOR, in coordination with the
Department of Health and Local Government Units, shall conduct an information drive
on the existence and benefits of self-exclusion programs, both online and offline.

Section 8. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the initial implementation
of this Act shall be charged to PAGCOR’s existing corporate funds. Subsequent
appropriations shall be included in its annual corporate operating budget.

Section 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, PAGCOR, in consultation with Department of Information and
Communications Technology and the National Privacy Commission, shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations.

Section 10. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is held
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 11. Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
and rules inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


Section 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,