Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Junard Chan turned down a ₱300,000-per-month offer from an online gambling group seeking to partner with him for social media endorsements, citing the harmful impact of gambling on families.
Chan, who has a large online following, publicly rejected the proposal via Facebook, saying he refuses to promote a vice that has destroyed lives.
He urged his constituents to avoid online gambling, sharing stories of people using essential household funds for betting.
His stand comes amid growing efforts in Congress to regulate or ban online gambling, with lawmakers like Senators Risa Hontiveros and Juan Miguel Zubiri pushing for stricter measures.
The Catholic Church has also renewed its opposition to the industry, while PAGCOR signaled openness to tighter controls without supporting a total ban.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 15, 2025
