PAGCOR and Philippine Ad Council confirm agreement to screen online gambling ads
All gambling-related ads need to be pre-screened before public release.
The Philippines.- After nine months of consultations, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Ad Standards Council (ASC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the regulation and pre-screening of gambling-related advertisements across all media platforms.
PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and ASC chairperson Golda Roldan led the signing ceremony at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City as part of efforts to promote responsible advertising in the gaming industry.
The agreement adds gambling to ASC’s list of “must-screen” categories – joining alcoholic beverages, over-the-counter medicines, food supplements, airline/transport services with promotional fares, and breast milk substitutes.
Tengco said: “Almost a year ago, we began initial talks about this initiative. Today, we are gathered here to formally sign this agreement so that we can immediately execute everything we committed to in this Memorandum of Understanding.”
Under the agreement, all branded or corporate gambling ads – including television, radio, online, and outdoor advertising – must be reviewed and approved by ASC prior to public release to avoid misleading content and protect vulnerable groups from potential harm.
ASC chairperson Roldan said: “We stand with PAGCOR in our shared goal of protecting the Filipino people, especially in sectors like gambling where communication requires greater sensitivity and care.”
Earlier this month, PAGCOR issued a directive ordering the immediate removal of all gambling-related billboards and out-of-home advertisements, including from public transport systems like buses, jeepneys, taxis, and trains. All PAGCOR licensees and stakeholders were given until August 15 to remove all gambling-related outdoor ads completely.
