Escudero pushes tobacco-style ban on gambling ads to curb rise in gaming addiction

CEBU CITY — Drawing a direct parallel to the fight against smoking two decades ago, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is spearheading a major legislative push to completely ban gambling advertisements and celebrity sponsorships across the Philippines.

Escudero filed Senate Bill No. 2347, which proposes sweeping prohibitions on promoting legal gambling across television, radio, print, and online platforms—including social media campaigns featuring popular influencers and celebrities.

The proposed measure is modeled directly after Republic Act 9211 (the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003), a landmark legislation Escudero helped pass during his tenure in the House of Representatives.

That law eliminated tobacco marketing from public sight to protect minors and public health. "It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago. Both sectors pose significant risks when promotions become pervasive and youth-targeted,” Escudero stated.

While the gaming industry generated a massive ₱396.13 billion in Gross Gaming Revenues in Fiscal Year 2025—largely driven by a boom in online and digital gaming, Escudero warned that aggressive marketing tactics are fueling compulsive behavior and mental health concerns among vulnerable Filipinos.

Key Highlights of Senate Bill 2347

Total media blackout by banning gambling promotions on TV, radio, print, social media, and digital networks. No celebrity endorsements, by prohibiting influencers, athletes, and public figures from fronting gambling brand, and mandatory advisories, requiring clear health and risk warnings on all legal consumer communications.

The Bill also directs government agencies to conduct awareness campaigns regarding compulsive gaming risks and mental health support options. Strict penalties and industry transition acknowledging the economic impact on advertisers and operators, the bill includes a one-year transition period following its enactment, allowing companies to phase out existing ad contracts and sponsorships.

Once fully implemented, offenders will face strict, escalating penalties: Offense Fine Imprisonment Additional sanctions1st Offense Up to ₱200,000Up to 1 year; 2nd Offense Up to ₱300,000Up to 2 years; 3rd Offense Up to ₱500,000Up to 3 years revocation of business permits.

Foreign nationals and corporate officers found liable under the act will face direct sanctions, including potential deportation.

Building on recent self-regulation efforts by the Ad Standards Council, Escudero stressed that a nationwide legal framework is necessary to ensure uniform enforcement without regulatory loopholes.

SB 2347 has been referred to the appropriate Senate committee for formal deliberation. (Photos: Google Images/DTI-FB Posts)