By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – The Senate may issue a subpoena to Meta after its representatives failed to attend a joint committee inquiry on the proliferation of online gambling.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairperson of the Committee on Games and Amusement, was dismayed Tuesday after receiving a letter from Meta public policy manager Genixon David, who conveyed the company’s regrets and offered instead to meet with the senator at his office at a later date.
“No, no, no. Why are they dictating this committee kung kailan sila attend (when they will attend)? That’s not an excuse. Don’t force me, don’t force me, Meta, na i-subpoena ko pa kayo (Don’t force me, Meta, to subpoena you),” Tulfo said during the hearing.
He said the committee expected the participation of key stakeholders given the surge of gambling-related content online, including videos that allegedly encourage viewers to bet through links hosted on social media platforms.
The senator said Meta’s absence was a sign of disrespect to the legislative process.
“Kung wala ka respeto sa ibang committee, huwag mong gawin dito (If you have no respect for other committees, don’t do it here). Andaming kulungan niya sa ilalim. Pwede kitang ilagak diyan (There are many detention cells below. I can put you there),” he added.
Senator Risa Hontiveros suggested that the panel issue a show-cause order to Meta Philippines to explain why it should not be subpoenaed.
Tulfo agreed, saying the move was necessary to compel the company to explain its non-appearance.
Meta, in its letter dated Sept. 15, said its subject matter experts on online gambling policies are based in Singapore and the United States and were unavailable due to prior commitments.
The company, nevertheless, assured its willingness to discuss its policies on gambling and real money gaming content with the Senate in a separate meeting and submit a position paper.
Tulfo emphasized the urgency of the inquiry, noting that around 65 percent of Filipinos are reportedly exposed to online gambling.
He said the Senate must weigh whether to totally ban online gambling or strengthen regulatory safeguards, balancing the social harms against the revenues earmarked for government programs such as Universal Health Care and sports development. (PNA)
