Cebu City’s proposed gambling advertising ban is facing questions over its interaction with national regulation and the practical challenges of policing online promotions.
During a City Council public hearing on 11 August, officials discussed an ordinance proposed by Councillor Joel Garganera that would prohibit and penalise gambling advertisements across the city.
The Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) backed the proposal’s objectives but warned that its enforcement powers are largely limited to physical advertising.
Legal Officer Cherry Cutillar said online platforms operating outside Cebu City would be more difficult to regulate, suggesting coordination with national bodies including the Department of Information and Communications Technology and Philippine National Police.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) also recommended narrowing the ordinance to advertisements physically displayed or conducted within Cebu City. It additionally proposed exempting gambling promotions expressly authorised under national law or by regulators such as PAGCOR, arguing this would reduce potential conflicts between local and national authority.
The BPLO proposed graduated penalties beginning with a PHP1,000 ($16.31) fine and 24-hour takedown requirement for first offences. Repeat violations could result in fines of up to PHP5,000, permit revocation and permanent closure of affected advertising facilities.
Officials also debated whether bingo, including games involving cash prizes or charitable fundraising, should fall within the ordinance’s definition of gambling.
The hearing follows Cebu City’s earlier resolution restricting gambling advertising and blocking gambling websites on government networks. However, the proposed ordinance would establish a more formal enforcement framework.
Council members must now clarify the treatment of nationally authorised advertising, online promotions and different forms of gambling before the measure advances.
Cebu City previously instructed government agencies to block online gambling websites and VPN applications across city-operated internet networks
