Championing Philippine Sports
By: Ragie Mae Taño-Arellano
Find out what drives him, what keeps him going, and how he plans to change the face of Philippine sports.
IN THE FAST-PACED WORLD OF PHILIPPINE SPORTS, CHAIRMAN RICHARD S. CLARIN LEADS THE GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS BOARD (GAB) WITH A MISSION TO IMPROVE THE COUNTRY’S ATHLETIC SCENE. DISCOVER HIS MOTIVATIONS, OBSTACLES, AND INNOVATIVE PROJECTS THAT WILL IMPACT THE FUTURE OF PHILIPPINE SPORTS, ALL TO PUSH PLAYERS TO TAKE CENTER STAGE
CHAMPIONING PUBLIC INTEREST
After careful consideration, the selection committee ultimately chose Attorney Richard S. Clarin for the GAB chairmanship. While acknowledging the noteworthy qualifications of other candidates, Clarin humbly expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. Seeing his appointment as a rare opportunity to give back as an Iskolar ng Bayan, he sees it as a way to help his fellow citizens. He could have continued his private law practice, but he chose to take the job with a focus on “public service.” The GAB chairman claims that this is comparable to his work as a lawyer since it demonstrates his unwavering commitment to attending to clients’ needs and going above and beyond the bare minimum to safeguard their interests. He now channels his efforts to serve the public interest, carrying with him this commitment to hard work. “I focus on the word 'service.' As a private lawyer, I give 100% to addressing all of my clients’ concerns. This work ethic is what I bring to public service,” he declares.
GROWING UP IN A HOUSEHOLD THAT VALUED LOYALTY AND RESPONSIBILITY, CLARIN CONSENTED TO TAKE ON THE ROLE OF GAB CHAIRMAN. HIS FATHER’S STEADFAST DEDICATION TO PUBLIC SERVICE SERVED AS A SOURCE OF IMMENSE INSPIRATION FOR HIM, INSTILLING IN HIM A STRONG SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND HONESTY.
Clarin claims that his commitment to serve the people was greatly influenced by his father, who dedicated all his life to working in the Bureau of Customs (BOC). “It was my upbringing and the admirable example set by my father that motivated me to accept the position of chairman of the GAB.” Clarin saw how public service can change lives while growing up in a family with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment. “My father’s dedication to his role in the BOC left an indelible mark on me, instilling the values of integrity, responsibility, and a deep understanding of the importance of contributing to the betterment of our society.” In the hectic world of Philippine sports, today is a normal day for Clarin. As the chairman of GAB, he actively engages in the industry that his life revolves around. He meets at the chairman’s office to begin the day with a team briefing. He reviews the agenda for the day and any pressing issues that require his immediate attention. In addition, he confers with department heads, legal specialists, and other relevant parties.
CRUSADE AGAINST GAMBLING
GAB is crucial to Philippine professional sports management. It regulates a wide range of sports, from basketball and boxing to eSports and wrestling, ensuring honesty, fairness, and growth. The board ensures that all professional sports in the country are ethical. This includes ensuring fairness, integrity, and diversity in sports. GAB has protected professional sports and sportsmen for 72 years.
Clarin acknowledges that organized gambling in professional sports threatens fair play and sports credibility. The board chairman says professional sports gambling includes game-fixing, point-shaving, insider knowledge, and unlawful betting. “These activities undermine the credibility of the games and erode the trust of fans and stakeholders in the sports industry. It jeopardizes the fundamental values that sports represent, tarnishing the spirit of healthy competition and jeopardizing the careers and livelihoods of professional athletes.”
GAB also supervises horse racing and international cockfight derbies betting. Marcos, Jr., has ordered Clarin to inform Filipinos that “e-sabong”—online cockfighting where people can gamble on virtual or live-streamed fights—has no place in the country. Clarin recognizes e-sabong’s negative effects on locals and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). He is concerned about OFWs’ financial problems caused by e-sabong, which leads to debt instead of supporting their families. Clarin also worries about online cockfighting, especially since mobile phones make it easy for younger people to gamble 24/7. He says the president believes these changes undermine Filipino values and traditions.
Executive Order No. 9, s. 2022, was issued as an interim approach to address these issues while Congress enacts a stronger e-sabong law. “This reflects the president’s commitment to curbing the adverse effects of e-sabong on families, values, and the overall welfare of the Filipino people,” he adds. Clarin, a lawyer, supports legalizing gambling where illegal operators are making big profits, citing the government’s potential benefits from regulation, tax collection, and betting on public integrity. The purpose is to help gamblers collect their winnings, underscoring the need for regulated and legal gaming. He believes that not all betting methods should be authorized, and he predicts that e-sabong will not succeed.
Business, government, and civil society organizations work with GAB to enforce professional sports and entertainment regulations. This collaboration merges resources, knowledge, and networks to strengthen GAB’s regulatory operations and promote innovation and cooperation. The public, casino operators, government agencies, stakeholders, and community leaders should report suspicious behavior and help law enforcement officials eradicate illegal gambling in the Philippines. GAB works with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to combat unlawful gambling in professional sports and amusement games due to its limited resources and skills. Under a memorandum of agreement, the GAB-Anti-Illegal Gambling Unit (AIGU) receives committed PNP officers from across the nation. The PNP collaborates with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Anti-Cybercrime Group, and other investigative teams. These units collaborate with GAB-AIGU to monitor, investigate, and capture online illegal gaming operations. GAB now works with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Telocommunications Commission (NTC), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
PROMOTING, PROFESSIONALIZING, AND PROTECTING
Clarin leads a pioneering GAB 3xPRO program that promotes, professionalizes, and protects Philippine sports. To promote Filipino professional sportsmen abroad, the board arranges for famous victors to visit the president and forms strategic connections. “I want to recognize and honor Filipino athletes for their passion and hard work in representing the colors of the Philippine flag on the world stage,” the chairman says. GAB uses strategic alliances, state visits, and partnerships with local government and tourism organizations to promote Philippine sports and celebrate players worldwide. As for professionalization, GAB raises standards, maintains transparency, and supports athletes to provide a fair and competitive environment for all. This comprises financial literacy seminars, livelihood programs, and industry-expert led education. Finally, for protection, GAB prioritizes athlete safety through partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, emergency response teams, and government agencies. The board showed its commitment to athlete care by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This cooperative effort aims to provide comprehensive support to retired, wounded, or resting professional athletes. The agreement emphasizes the need for a cooperative approach to sports and entertainment workers’ wellbeing by offering emergency employment and player livelihood assistance.
Future-focused GAB values digital innovation. The board’s Online Application for Licenses and Permits emphasizes efficiency and technology. This online platform streamlines administrative tasks for athletes, coaches, and stakeholders, boosting productivity. GAB also seeks worldwide sports regulators. The board collaborates with foreign organizations to share knowledge and promote Filipino athletes abroad.
CHALLENGING GAME
Leading GAB toward fair rules and regulation in the complicated world of sports governance, Clarin is trying to show a great strategic skill in the face of many obstacles. Asked about the biggest problems he faced as a GAB Chairman, he names three: the idea that the GAB is prone to too much control, a lack of resources to help athletes, and the ongoing problem of illegal gambling. As a result, he set up focused communication plans, encouraged partnerships with private organizations to improve athlete support programs, and pushed for stronger laws to protect the GAB’s duties, showing a proactive and strong leadership style.
In his demanding role as GAB chairman, Clarin relies on core values and beliefs that go beyond the law. As a lawyer, he follows Article 19 of the Philippine Civil Code, which states that everyone must act with justice, give everyone his due, and be honest and good-faith. As GAB chairman, he must ensure that every decision and action upholds fairness, equity, and the moral imperative of creating an environment where athletes, coaches, promoters, organizers, and the public are respected and considered. “My dedication to honesty and good faith is non-negotiable. I strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all facets of my role in GAB. By adhering to these values, I aim to inspire trust and confidence in the regulation and supervision of GAB,” he declares.
DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT
Clarin also tells LEAGUE that since he is too focused on his role and commitment to transform GAB, he does not involve himself for a while in any personal engagement in his favorite sports like running, basketball, and golf. This is because he is dedicated to helping professional athletes achieve their dreams. Clarin, a sports fan, wrote to professional Filipino athletes that sports can break down barriers and promote inclusivity. He reiterates GAB’s 3xPRO push to promote, professionalize, and protect Philippine sports. The GAB family will diligently promote athletes’ voices, stories, and accomplishments worldwide. “We understand the sacrifices you make, the hours of training, and the dedication that goes into your careers. Our mission is to provide a supportive environment where your talents can thrive and your rights are protected,” he assures.
To Filipino fans of professional sports, the GAB chairman encourages unwavering support for Filipino athletes and the sports community. “Let us come together as a united sports-loving nation, recognizing that the power of sports goes beyond competition. It instills values, creates role models, and builds a stronger, more resilient Philippines. I look forward to a future where we can celebrate more victories and inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes," he says.
