
Marcos to Convene ‘Conclave' to Craft Online Gambling Policy
Speaking at a 'Kapihan with the Media' event in Bengaluru, India, Marcos said the discussions will include the Church, educators, parents, police, and addiction experts. He emphasized that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has been vocal on the matter and should be heard.
Marcos stressed that an outright ban may not be the best solution, noting how illegal operations continued even after e-sabong was prohibited.
He added that the conclave's goal is to find a more measured and effective approach rather than simply outlawing online gambling.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Filipino Times
11 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Marcos orders PNP to ensure reliable response for new 911 emergency system
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to guarantee prompt response to calls made through the country's latest 9-1-1 emergency system. Speaking during the 124th Police Service Anniversary, Marcos highlighted that the revitalized Emergency 911 Hotline has already handled thousands of calls, ranging from police assistance to search and rescue operations. 'However, the challenge now is to ensure that—rain or shine, during ordinary days and more so, in times of crisis—there are people who will be ready to answer our people's call for help,' Marcos said. 'This is how we rebuild the trust that the police will come no matter what time, no matter what the circumstance is, they will arrive.' He added, 'We owe our people a system that they can rely on.' The new 9-1-1 system, provided by a technology firm that won a contract worth over P1.4 billion, includes features such as caller location detection, according to the police. Earlier, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged local government units to pass ordinances penalizing prank callers to the national emergency hotline.


Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Marcos Responds to China: ‘Playing with Fire? I Was Just Stating Facts'
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. fired back at China after Beijing lodged 'serious protests' over his remarks that the Philippines could be drawn into a conflict between the United States and China over Taiwan. In a press conference on Monday, Marcos expressed surprise at China's reaction, saying he was simply stating facts and not 'playing with fire.' 'I don't know what they are talking about. Playing with fire? I was just stating facts. We do not want to go to war. But I think if there is a war over Taiwan, we will be drawn in whether we like it or not — kicking and screaming,' Marcos said. He emphasized the importance of planning for such a scenario, especially given the presence of around 200,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island claimed by China. 'If a conflict arises — it's near us. What will we do? Just let anyone come in and out? That's not possible,' the President said, urging preparations to protect Filipinos in case of war. China's protest cited the Philippines' 'near geographic location' and large Filipino population in Taiwan, warning against using these as excuses to interfere in China's internal affairs. Though Manila does not have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it maintains a de facto embassy, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). Marcos concluded that despite the country's strong desire to avoid conflict, war over Taiwan would inevitably drag the Philippines into the dispute.


Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Marcos: Philippine vessels will never back down in West Philippine Sea
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed that Philippine vessels will never retreat from missions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), following an incident where a Chinese ship fired a water cannon at a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel. Marcos was referring to the BRP Suluan, which was deployed to assist Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc when the encounter took place Monday morning. 'We have never instructed any of our vessels to back out,' Marcos said in a press briefing. 'Never, never. But we have to always – we do not back out because natakot tayo, umatras tayo. Alam mo, I don't know about other places, pero dito sa – dito sa gobyernong ito, hindi tayo umaatras sa laban,' he added. The President commended the country's uniformed personnel for fulfilling their mission of defending the Philippines, saying, 'We will not stop doing it.' PCG spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela earlier reported that Philippine vessels and fishermen encountered hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions from foreign ships in the area. 'In particular, the MRRV 4406 (BRP Suluan) was targeted with a water cannon, but the seamanship skills by PCG crew members allowed the vessel to successfully evade from getting hit,' Tarriela said. The PCG deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua, BRP Suluan, and MV Pamamalakaya for the 'Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM)' initiative. Marcos acknowledged heightened tensions in the region, partly stemming from his remarks last week that drew accusations from China of 'playing with fire.' The President had earlier noted that the Philippines could be drawn into a conflict between the United States and China over Taiwan. China lodged 'serious protests' over his statement, but Marcos said he was merely stating facts. 'Playing with fire? I was just stating facts,' he said. The President reiterated his commitment to asserting the country's sovereignty. 'We will continue to be present. We will continue to defend our territory. We will continue to exercise our sovereign rights. And despite any opposition from anyone, we will continue to do that as we have done in the past three years,' Marcos said.