Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for a comprehensive, nationwide ban on all gambling advertisements across media platforms to combat rising addiction and safeguard vulnerable Filipinos.
In a recent episode of his “Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman” podcast aired on Sunday, Escudero highlighted Senate Bill No. 2347, which seeks to establish firm, legally binding restrictions on the promotion and marketing of gambling services.
“Iyan ‘yung logic ng ating proposed legislation, huwag padaliin … Paano ba pahirapan ‘to para hindi basta-basta makapaglaro,” Escudero said, expressing concern over how pervasive and accessible online gaming has become to adults and minors alike.
While the Ad Standards Council currently maintains voluntary guidelines requiring members to remove gambling imagery across media, Escudero emphasized that these rules lack legal enforceability. Filing SB 2347 aims to institutionalize these restrictions by prohibiting all gambling advertisements, sponsorships, celebrity endorsements, bonus incentives and influencer promotions across television, radio, print and social media.
“Ang kailangan ng batas ay itong sa advertisement dahil kailangan mong i-regulate dito ‘yung mga private companies,” he explained, framing the legislation as a vital “first step in a broader effort to reduce gambling-related harm.”
The Bicolano lawmaker drew a direct parallel to Republic Act 9211, which banned cigarette advertising and introduced graphic health warnings for the tobacco industry. He noted that while strict tobacco bans are common globally, comprehensive prohibitions on gambling ads remain rare. Escudero cited international models such as Spain’s restrictions on broadcast hours, Italy’s Dignity Decree, New Zealand’s ban on affiliate marketing, and China’s total prohibition on online gambling ads, noting that the Philippines’ proposal marks a significant step toward stronger consumer protection.
The proposed measure gained strong support from anti-gambling advocates during the broadcast. Content creator Carlo Ople warned that modern online gambling applications are intentionally engineered to foster addiction.
“It was designed specifically to get you addicted … painless, effortless, and addictive,” Ople told Escudero.
Darren Telan, a recovering compulsive gambler, also voiced backing for the bill, warning that pervasive marketing jeopardizes recovery efforts.
“Kapag kami nakakita ng ads, babalik or trigger sa amin ‘yun,” Telan said.
If passed, SB 2347 will prohibit gambling content across electronic, online, and physical media platforms, laying the groundwork for a broader regulatory framework for the gaming industry in the Philippines.