A Duty Ignored: A Kantian Critique on the Rise of Online Gambling in the Philippines

The dramatic rise of online gambling in the Philippines has transformed entertainment, economic behavior, and social norms-often at the expense of moral reflection. This paper critically examines the ethical implications of this phenomenon through the lens of Immanuel Kant’s deontological ethics. Kant’s categorical imperative, which insists on universal moral principles and respect for human dignity, provides a compelling framework for assessing the practices, policies, and cultural shifts surrounding internet-based gambling. Drawing from Kant’s formulations-the formula of Universal Law and the Formula of Humanity-this study argues that online gambling in the Philippines cannot be morally justified. It fails to meet the standards of rational autonomy, promotes manipulation over respect, and threatens individuals as mere instruments of profit, particularly targeting the poor, the youth, and the vulnerable. The analysis further reveals that both individual behavior and institutional policy often operate on inclination and economic interest rather than duty-bound morality. While acknowledging critiques of Kantian abstraction in the face of socioeconomic realities, the paper maintains that ethical governance must prioritize the dignity and rational agency of all persons. Ultimately, this study calls for systemic reform and moral education to resist the commodification of human weakness and promote a culture grounded in reason and responsibility.