The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has ordered the immediate removal of all billboards and out-of-home (OOH) gambling ads.
In a memorandum published on 7 July, PAGCOR instructed all licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to take down gambling ads, including those displayed on trains, buses, jeepneys and taxis.
Going forward, only institutional or responsible gaming campaigns which have been pre-approved will be permitted.
“We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until August 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads,” said PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
“While PAGCOR is mandated to regulate the gaming industry and generate revenues for nation-building, we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction. Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth.”