Cebu City has imposed a broad ban on all forms of gambling advertisements, citing concerns about addiction, financial distress and the exposure of minors to persuasive gambling content. According to Cebu Daily News, the measure was approved during the Sangguniang Panlungsod's regular session on 16 December through a resolution authored by Councillor Joel Garganera.
The ban covers all promotional materials within the city, including billboards, posters, LED screens, printed marketing, digital advertising, social media campaigns, sponsored events and any activities conducted by gambling operators. Officials said the city has an obligation to safeguard public welfare, especially for vulnerable groups.
The resolution stated that gambling promotions contribute to addiction and a range of social problems affecting families and communities. It added that the growing visibility of gambling ads normalizes the behavior and exposes minors to marketing that may lead to risky or addictive habits.
The City Council cited local reports highlighting a rise in online gambling activity driven by digital platforms and community-based sponsorships. Officials said the ban aims to create a safer media environment by restricting harmful content within Cebu City's jurisdiction.
To support enforcement, the Business Process and Licensing Office, Cebu City Police Office, City Legal Office and other departments have been instructed to monitor and remove gambling advertisements found anywhere in the city. Copies of the resolution will be distributed to relevant agencies for implementation.
During the same session, the council approved a motion urging government employees to refrain from playing online games - particularly gambling-related ones - during office hours. Councillors noted that some media channels continue to promote gambling content despite ongoing public concern.
The move builds on an earlier resolution directing the Management Information and Computer Services Office to block access to online gambling sites and VPNs across all Cebu City government networks, including public Wi-Fi. Officials warned that VPNs are commonly used to bypass restrictions and must be controlled to prevent misuse of public digital infrastructure.
Government employees remain prohibited from engaging in gambling - either physical or online - during work hours, with violations subject to administrative sanctions under the city's Code of Ethics. Cebu City said these strengthened measures reflect its position that public spaces and government workplaces must remain free from activities that undermine public welfare and productivity.
A previous Cebu City directive ordered the blocking of online gambling websites and VPN applications on all government internet networks
