The Diocese of San Carlos unequivocally supports the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in its call to end online gambling, Bishop Geraldo Alminaza announced on Wednesday, July 23.
“The Diocese of San Carlos, through its bishop, clergy, consecrated persons, lay leaders, and faithful, expresses its full, strong, and unwavering support for the pastoral statement of the CBCP,” Alminaza said.
He described online gambling as a “silent virus”—a “social and moral pandemic that quietly spreads across households, parishes, and communities, enslaving hearts and distorting values.”
He said the Diocese of San Carlos is calling for:
• The immediate banning and criminalization of all forms of online gambling.
• Stricter regulation of online platforms, payment systems, and e-wallets that make gambling easily accessible.
• The protection of young people from manipulative advertising and the normalization of gambling in media.
• A whole-of-society response — involving government, Church, schools, and families — to address gambling as a spiritual, mental, and economic affliction.
• A pastoral response of mercy, support, and accompaniment to those already affected.
Alminaza also instructed all clergy, consecrated persons, school administrators, catechists, lay leaders, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), and members of lay movements and associations within the Diocese of San Carlos to actively raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of online gambling.*