Philippine lawmakers optimistic on esports bill after SEA Games gold
Camarines Sur representatives Luigi Villafuerte and Migz Villafuerte are renewing efforts to establish a Philippine Esports Commission (PEC) following the Philippines’ gold medal performance in esports at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, according to a report by the local media, Manila Bulletin.
The proposal is contained in House Bill No. 3751, also known as the Esports Act, which seeks to create a standalone body to oversee policy, regulation, and development of esports nationwide.
The bill positions the PEC as an independent agency, separate from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). If passed, the agency will have the authority over grassroots programmes, elite competition pathways, and international representation. Lawmakers argue that the structure is needed to sustain recent competitive success and address long-standing governance gaps in the sector.
Legal basis for a dedicated regulator
In the explanatory note of the bill, its authors state that “the esports (electronic sports) industry has emerged as a dynamic driver of economic activity and a platform to showcase the talent and strategic acumen of Filipino players on the global stage.” The document adds that the Philippines has become one of the most vibrant esports markets in Southeast Asia.
The proposed commission would act as the central authority for esports development. It would also be tasked with drafting rules, accrediting stakeholders, and representing the country in international esports bodies.
SEA Games results add momentum
The renewed push follows the Philippines’ gold medal win in the men’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament at the 2025 SEA Games. The Philippine national team, Team Sibol, swept Malaysia 4–0 in the final.
The result continued the country’s strong record in regional esports competitions, building on earlier medal hauls since esports was first included in the SEA Games programme in 2019.
Market size and economic case
The explanatory note outlines the scale of the domestic and global esports market. It notes that the Philippine esports market now has over 43 million active gamers and has grown by an average of 12.9 percent annually since 2017, citing industry data. On a global level, the bill states that esports were valued at $1.97 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $5.18 billion by 2029.
According to the proposed bill, these figures show that the country is well-positioned to participate in the expanding market if development is properly supported. It also highlights that international tournaments hosted in the Philippines have boosted the country’s profile and supported tourism-linked activity.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOSt) is cited as recognising esports’ capacity to create jobs and drive the digital economy, with the bill noting that the Philippines is poised to become a regional center for game development and esports.
Addressing structural gaps
Despite growth, the bill points to unresolved challenges that affect Filipino players and teams. It states that challenges that hinder the growth of the local esports ecosystem remain, including visa denials linked to the lack of an official national body.
The explanatory note refers to past cases where teams were unable to compete abroad due to documentation and recognition issues, reinforcing the argument for a formal regulator that can act as an official representative in dealings with foreign governments and organisers.
The bill also stresses the need to separate esports from gambling clearly. It states that “there is also a pressing need to distinguish esports from gambling through official regulation and institutional recognition,” describing this as essential to legitimising esports as a career and educational pathway.
Safeguards and youth participation
Another focus of the proposed law is player welfare, particularly for minors. “Esports is no longer limited to gaming alone; it spans a broader ecosystem involving analytical tools, broadcasting platforms, education, and wellness support,” the explanatory note of the bill stated.
It adds that safeguards, “especially around the participation of minors, must be enforced through regulatory frameworks.”
Under the bill, the PEC would work with agencies including the PSC, Department of Education, Department of Tourism, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Higher Education, National Youth Commission, and TESDA to develop infrastructure, training, and support systems.
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