Pasig City has moved to prevent gambling companies from pushing their products in public spaces, according to Mayor Vico Sotto, who announced the policy on Monday.
Instead of highlighting the ordinance’s passage, Sotto drew attention to what he described as the social damage caused by “active-play gambling games.” He stressed that he had witnessed individuals suffer because of gambling addiction, adding in Filipino, “Kung kusang hanapin ito ng isang tao, desisyon niya yun; pero ibang usapan naman yung maya’t maya pinapaalalahanan/hinihikayat ka pabalik doon.”
While outlining the measure, Sotto recalled that Pasig blocked Philippine offshore gaming operators and computer-based e-games as far back as 2022, describing the city’s earlier stance as the first of its kind among local governments. He said messages had been sent urging officials to “reconsider” the proposal at that time and that two councilors told him they were offered money. “But we stood firm,” he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a nationwide ban on POGOs in 2024, a move that came after Pasig’s local restrictions were already in place.
The newly approved ordinance focuses on advertising rather than operations, prohibiting gambling promotions on billboards, transit ads involving tricycles and pedicabs, and display materials at public utility vehicle terminals. The rule also covers building wraps, posters, LED screens, and printed media distributed or placed within the city.
Events held or co-organized by the city government—such as sports, concerts, cultural gatherings, and school-related programs—are likewise barred from carrying gambling sponsorships.
However, gambling firms may still support community projects classified as corporate social responsibility, provided that merchandise or donations given out do not display company names or references to gambling activities.
Sotto said he considers the measure a significant step forward in limiting exposure to gambling promotions. “I trust that no one will give us a hard time for passing this ordinance,” he said.
Lawmakers and advocacy groups, including religious organizations, have recently urged tighter controls on online gambling, pointing to families falling into financial ruin. Their appeals prompted increased action against illegal online platforms and the removal of gambling links from widely used e-wallet services.
