Cebu City Councilor Proposes Sweeping Ban on Gambling Advertisements
Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera has introduced a groundbreaking legislative proposal known as the Cebu City Anti-Gambling Advertisement Ordinance. This measure aims to completely prohibit all gambling-related promotions and advertisements that are visible to the public across both public and private spaces within the city.
Scope and Background of the Proposed Ordinance
The ordinance would cover a wide array of advertising mediums, including:
- Billboards and traditional media outlets
- Digital platforms and social media networks
- Livestreams and influencer-generated content
- Event sponsorships and promotional materials
This proposal builds upon a resolution that Garganera sponsored and the City Council approved on December 16, 2025. While that resolution expressed opposition to gambling advertisements and directed city offices to monitor them, the new ordinance introduces penalties to strengthen enforcement and ensure compliance.
Growing Concerns and Moral Implications
Concerns over gambling advertisements have intensified in Cebu City due to the rapid expansion of online betting platforms. These promotions have become increasingly visible on streets, digital screens, social media, and during community and cultural events.
During preparations for the Sinulog Festival 2026, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy publicly appealed to organizers to reject sponsorships from gambling companies. He argued that such partnerships contradict the festival's religious purpose and send conflicting moral messages to devotees honoring the Santo Niño.
The prelate's statement on January 8 came just one day after the Sinulog Foundation Inc. announced its partnership with an online gambling platform. The foundation defended the collaboration, stating it "adds to the festival's vibrant energy celebrating joy, connection, and the thrill of coming together in one unforgettable celebration of faith and culture."
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
According to Garganera, unregulated gambling advertisements normalize betting behavior and expose vulnerable groups—particularly minors and low-income families—to aggressive marketing tactics.
"The unregulated presence of gambling advertisements within Cebu City normalizes gambling behavior and exposes minors to persuasive and aggressive marketing strategies that may lead to risky habits," Garganera emphasized.
He linked constant exposure to gambling promotions to the rise of online betting and related social problems, including addiction and financial strain on families. In his statement, Archbishop Uy raised moral and social concerns, describing online gambling as a threat that "destroys lives, breaks families, corrupts values, and enslaves people, especially the poor."
National Context and Legislative Efforts
At the national level, lawmakers have endorsed Senate Bill 109, the Anti-Online Gambling Advertisement Act of 2025, which seeks to ban online gambling advertising nationwide. This measure proposes penalties of up to six years in prison or fines of up to P5 million, indicating a broader regulatory trend.
Implementation Challenges and Uncertainties
The proposed ordinance is currently under review by the committee on laws, styling and ordinances and the Cebu City Gamefowl Commission. Its timeline for approval and the possibility of amendments remain uncertain.
Enforcement may pose significant challenges, particularly for online advertisements originating outside city jurisdiction, where platforms and operators may fall beyond local authority. This raises questions about the practical effectiveness of the measure in regulating digital spaces.
Potential Impact on Residents and Businesses
For residents, especially families and young people, the proposed ordinance could significantly reduce daily exposure to gambling promotions in public spaces, on mobile devices, and during major events. Businesses would face new compliance requirements, with penalties ranging from warnings to fines of P3,000 to P5,000, and possible suspension or revocation of business permits for repeated violations.
Next Steps and Future Developments
The measure awaits committee review and possible City Council debates before a final vote. If approved, enforcement would involve multiple agencies, including:
- The Office of the Mayor
- The Business Permit and Licensing Office
- The Cebu City Police Office
- The City Legal Office
- The National Bureau of Investigation for online-related cases
Meanwhile, national legislation such as Senate Bill 109 could influence how local rules are enforced or expanded in the coming months, creating a layered regulatory approach to gambling advertising in the Philippines.
