CEBU CITY – Cebu City is preparing to put “iron teeth” into its anti-gambling policies. Councilor Joel Garganera has officially drafted the “Cebu City Anti-Gambling Advertisement Ordinance,” a move designed to institutionalize a recent council resolution by adding concrete penalties. This proposed law seeks to completely scrub the city of all gambling promotions—ranging from physical billboards to digital influencer marketing—through a system of fines and the ultimate threat of business permit revocation.
Closing the Legal Gap: From Resolution to Enforceable Law
While the Cebu City Council passed a resolution banning gambling advertisements in late 2025, the measure was criticized for lacking enforcement power. Garganera’s new ordinance corrects this by granting the city the specific legal authority to penalize violators.
- Comprehensive Scope: The ban covers all forms of media, including physical (billboards, LED displays, print), traditional (radio, TV), and digital (social media, influencer marketing, affiliate marketing, and event sponsorships).
- Legal Rationale: Citing the Local Government Code, Garganera argues the city has a duty to promote the moral well-being of its citizens, specifically protecting the youth from the “normalization” of gambling behavior.
Progressive Penalties: The “Three-Strike” Death Clause
The drafted ordinance introduces a structured penalty system to ensure compliance among advertising agencies and gaming operators:
| Offense | Proposed Penalty |
| First Offense | Official warning and immediate removal of the advertisement. |
| Second Offense | A fine of P3,000. |
| Third & Subsequent | A fine of P5,000 and possible suspension or revocation of business permits. |
“The unrestricted presence of gambling ads normalizes betting behavior and exposes minors to aggressive marketing strategies. This ordinance ensures that Cebu’s public spaces no longer serve as an entry point to addiction and financial turmoil.” — Joel Garganera, Cebu City Councilor
Social and Economic Context: Protecting the “Consumer Wallet”
Garganera’s initiative aligns with a broader regulatory trend in the Philippines:
- Moral Opposition: During the preparations for Sinulog 2026, local church leaders publicly urged organizers to reject sponsorships from gambling companies.
- Economic Impact: Economists have warned that online gambling is shifting household spending away from local retail and dining toward offshore or virtual betting tables. Estimates suggest that the Central Visayas region accounts for a disproportionate 15% of national online gaming revenue relative to its GDP.
Inter-Agency Enforcement Network
Upon approval, the Mayor’s Office will lead a formidable enforcement task force, including:
- Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO): To monitor compliance and execute permit revocations.
- Cebu City Police (CCPO) & City Legal Office: For physical removal and legal prosecution.
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI): To track and dismantle digital gambling funnels and cross-region online promotions.
This ordinance is seen as the final piece of Cebu City’s anti-gambling puzzle, complementing existing policies such as the ban on VPN access to gambling sites via public networks and the prohibition of betting among government employees during work hours.
