Philippine legislators have renewed efforts to establish a national body dedicated to esports governance following the country’s latest gold medal performance at the Southeast Asian Games. Representatives Luigi Villafuerte of Camarines Sur’s 2nd district and Migz Villafuerte of the 5th district said recent results underline the need for a standalone agency to oversee the sport’s development.
The proposal centers on House Bill No. 3751, also known as the Esports Act, which seeks to create a Philippine Esports Commission. The planned commission would operate independently from the Philippine Sports Commission and assume responsibility for policy, regulation, and long-term development across the esports ecosystem.
SEA Games results strengthen the case
The renewed push gained momentum after the Philippines secured gold in esports at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand. Team Sibol claimed the top prize in the men’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament after a 4–0 sweep against Malaysia. The lineup included Sanford Vinuya, Kiel Soriano, Karl Nepomuceno, Jaypee dela Cruz, Alston Pabico, and John Carlo Roma.
Esports first appeared as a medal event at the SEA Games in 2019, where Filipino athletes earned five medals, including a gold in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. In the 2025 edition, Team Sibol competed in only two of four esports events, sending entries for Mobile Legends and Arena of Valor, while skipping EA Sports FC Online and Free Fire due to a limited pool of players capable of securing podium finishes.
Market growth and economic potential
Supporters of the bill argue that esports has become a meaningful contributor to the economy. Rep. Luigi Villafuerte said: “The esports 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 at this time when the Philippines has emerged as one of the most vibrant esports markets in Southeast Asia.”
Citing data from YCPS Marketing & Communication Group, Rep. Migz Villafuerte added: “Proof of the phenomenal rise of the Philippine esports market is that it now has over 43 million active gamers, growing by an average of 12.9 percent annually since 2017.”
The bill also points to global figures, noting that esports revenue stood at $1.97 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $5.18 billion by 2029. Lawmakers said these trends show why structured oversight matters if the country aims to compete internationally and benefit economically.
Addressing governance gaps
Despite strong results, lawmakers said structural issues continue to limit progress. They noted that Filipino teams have faced visa denials due to the absence of an official national body. In HB No. 3751, its authors stated: “Esports is no longer limited to gaming alone; it spans a broader ecosystem involving analytical tools, broadcasting platforms, education, and wellness support. As such, safeguards, especially around the participation of minors, must be enforced through regulatory frameworks.”
The measure also stresses the need to clearly separate esports from gambling through formal recognition. The proposed commission would coordinate with multiple government agencies, including those responsible for education, tourism, trade, digital infrastructure, and youth development, to support talent programs and infrastructure.
Camarines Sur 5th district Rep. Tsuyoshi Horibata and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon are listed as co-authors of the bill. Backers say a centralized authority would help sustain competitive success while addressing long-standing regulatory and welfare concerns.
Source:
“Villafuertes upbeat over pro-esports bill after Philippines SEA Games’ gold”, mb.com.ph, December 22, 2025
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