Cebu City legal office backs gambling ad ban
Cebu City’s Legal Office has endorsed a proposed ordinance banning gambling advertisements across the city, while recommending amendments to ensure the compliance with national laws.
The Philippines.- The Cebu City Legal Office (CLO) has expressed support for a proposed ordinance that would ban gambling advertisements across the city, provided that revisions are made to strengthen the legal basis and enforceability. In a position paper dated July 20, the CLO recommended approval of the measure introduced by Councillor Joel Garganera, which would impose fines and permit sanctions on violators.
One of the office’s main recommendations is to narrow the scope of the proposed restrictions on digital advertising. The CLO warned that the current wording could be interpreted too broadly and potentially restrict constitutionally protected speech. It proposed limiting the ban to paid commercial gambling advertisements on digital platforms operated by entities within Cebu City’s regulatory authority.
The legal office also backed the ordinance’s proposed penalties but said it should explicitly include due process safeguards, such as written notices, the opportunity for businesses to respond and written decisions explaining any sanctions.
In addition, the CLO recommended aligning the ordinance’s definitions of gambling and gambling advertising with existing national legislation and the PAGCOR Responsible Gaming Code of Practice to avoid conflicts with the national regulatory framework. The measure is expected to be discussed during a public hearing.
