The source provides an extensive overview of the online gambling crisis in the Philippines, detailing its rapid explosion into a national addiction affecting nearly one-third of the population by late 2025. This rise is fueled by the accessibility of apps and e-wallets, resulting in devastating social consequences such as suicides, fractured families, and spiraling debt, which mental health professionals now classify as a public health issue. Crucially, the episode analyzes the Philippine government's complicity through the state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which reaps billions in revenue—projected to hit P480 billion—from the sector while facing criticism from the Catholic Church and legislators for prioritizing profit over citizen welfare. Although some lawmakers advocate for a total ban, others resist due to the large revenue contribution, suggesting the nation is facing a difficult choice between economic gain and social recovery.

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