In a privilege speech delivered in the Senate, Hontiveros questioned why GSIS, a state-run pension fund managing over PHP1.8 trillion ($31.3 billion) in assets for 2.7 million government workers and retirees, would invest in DigiPlus, an online gambling operator. 

“What was GSIS thinking, investing funds in online gambling?” Hontiveros asked. “GSIS entered when DigiPlus shares were being offered at a peak of PHP65.30 ($114). Those shares have since dropped to PHP13.68 ($0.24). That’s a loss!” the Senator said in Filipino. 

Hontiveros pointed out that this investment came at a time when both Congress and Malacañang were actively moving to regulate or even ban online gambling in the country, citing its destructive social costs. 

“We in the Senate, the House, and even Malacañang are all taking strong stands against online gambling because of its harmful effects on families, workers, and youth,” she said. “So why is GSIS doing the opposite? Why is it using the retirement money of public servants to expand the e-gaming industry, seemingly?” 

Senators push to outlaw online gambling 

Hontiveros’ speech comes amid growing pressure from lawmakers to ban online gambling entirely. In the months leading up to the adjournment of the 19th Congress, several senators — including Hontiveros, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senator Joel Villanueva — called for a complete prohibition of online gambling platforms, often referred to as e-sabong, e-casino, or e-games. 

Senate Bill No. 1281, filed by Senator Joel Villanueva, seeks to ban all forms of online gambling and impose penalties on both operators and users. Hontiveros has been a consistent co-author and supporter of the measure.  

Marcos silent on iGaming in SONA 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made no mention of online gambling during his fourth State of the Nation Address in July — a silence that drew criticism from several sectors. 

However, Malacañang later said the President has been “closely monitoring” the growing issue of gambling addiction in the country. This came in response to widespread concern about the influence of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the spread of local e-casinos.   

Meanwhile, gaming industry leaders warned that prohibiting online gambling outright would worsen the situation by driving it underground. A recent survey also said that most Filipino online gamblers prefer tighter regulations over a total ban, citing concerns over scams, addiction, and the proliferation of unregulated platforms.   

Calls for Senate action and reform 

Hontiveros urged the Senate to urgently review GSIS’s investment policies and clarify legal ambiguities under the Revised GSIS Act. She cited differing interpretations between GSIS and the COA, particularly regarding whether pension funds may be invested in companies with a weak track record of profitability. 

“If we must amend the GSIS Act to erect stronger guardrails and limit high-risk investments — especially those involving gambling — then let’s do it,” she said. 

The Senator ended her speech by reminding her colleagues that millions of public workers depend on GSIS for their future. “Every retiring teacher, every traffic enforcer standing under the sun, every nurse in our hospitals — they all rely on GSIS. Let us not let them down by letting their savings go to waste in the name of greed or incompetence,” she said.