Filipino Politicians Who Have Supported Esports and Gaming

As a growing industry, video games along with their esports scene have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the Philippines (PH). Many aspiring pro players and online personalities emerge for a shot at the scene and to make themselves known to the world. As the esports industry grows, politicians in the Philippines have begun to see its potential for employment and enterprise development. These politicians are supporting esports behind the scenes or have established their own organizations to provide opportunities for promising prodigies to rise in a plethora of esports titles. Here are the most notable Filipino politicians who have supported the esports and gaming industry.

Emmanuel “PacMan” Dapidran Pacquiao Sr.

The legendary Filipino boxer turned politician has seen the potential of the esports scene in the region. He established his own brand titled Team Pacquiao GG that “has a core focus on community, competition, and charity.”

The organization aims to host multiple open tournaments that stretch across numerous esports titles while also promoting the spirit of charity.

The organization recently shocked the League of Legends: Wild Rift esports scene with its own esports team “Team Underground (UDG).” While the team was not able to take a championship title in the Wild Rift Champions (WCS) 2022 - Philippines, UDG has shown great potential and is looking to redeem itself in future tournament circuits.

Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aguirre Aquino IV

Bam Aquino is one of the most iconic politicians in the Philippines esports scene. Back in July 2016, Bam Aquino lent a hand to Filipino DOTA 2 teams, TNC Predator and Execration, as they were facing problems securing a Visa to join The International 6 (TI6), one of the most prestigious DOTA 2 tournaments in the world.

The same scenario occurred when Bren Esports’ Valorant team could not secure their Visa to compete in the VALORANT Champions Tour 2021: Stage 3 Masters – Berlin in Germany. Bam Aquino tried to help by reaching out to various esports communities, according to his Twitter post. Unfortunately, the team failed to secure its trip to Germany and was then eventually acquired by Team Secret.

Through a report from Inquirer.net, it was revealed that Bam Aquino has been promoting video game development and professional esports in the Philippines. “Today’s local game development industry is where the business process outsourcing industry was ten to fifteen years ago and it too can provide high-value jobs for our sought-after artists and developers,” said Bam Acquino.

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr.

As one of the politicians who grew curious about the possibility of esports being a potential bachelor’s degree in the future, Bongbong Marcos, also known as BBM has witnessed the potential of the gaming industry.

Through one of his vlogs, BBM explored the concept of esports and video game livestreaming and how it has evolved throughout the years from a simple hobby to a profitable venture.

After playing and discussing the popular mobile MOBA title, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, BBM sees the evolution of the gaming industry as an opportunity to break the norm that “you can’t earn money by playing video games,” a common statement from Filipino parents.

The esports industry in the Philippines continues to grow each year. More politicians may be seeing the potential and may choose to work towards providing more opportunities to support esports and gaming in general within the country.