The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has given content creators until July 11 to remove any posts promoting illegal online gambling, or they could face legal action.
In a Philstar.com report, CICC executive director Renato Paraiso urged influencers to take responsibility and remove any materials tied to unauthorized gambling platforms. “Take the initiative to take down the content you uploaded that promotes these illegal online activities,” he stressed.
Paraiso revealed that authorities are zeroing in on 20 of the country’s most-followed influencers. One of them reportedly commands a 14 million-strong following and owns a mansion and a luxury sports car. Demand letters will be sent to violators starting Monday, and they will have five days to respond. If they fail to provide a valid explanation, formal charges are expected the following week.
“I’m going after the head of the snake,” Paraiso warned. “If I go hard on these 20, the others will probably start feeling afraid.”
The CICC plans to file cases not only for illegal gambling but also for possible violations of the Data Privacy Act and tax evasion. Paraiso also raised concerns about the damaging impact of gambling content on young Filipinos, calling such platforms “predatory.”
Meanwhile, the crackdown extends beyond the digital space. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has also ordered all licensed gambling operators and stakeholders to submit an inventory of their outdoor advertisements by July 16. They are required to take down all gambling-related ads—including those on billboards, wallscapes, buses, trains, and taxicabs—by August 15.
PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the goal is to strike a balance between regulation and public welfare. “We do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction,” he said.
The agency warned that those who fail to comply will face sanctions. Replacing dismantled advertisements with new gambling promos is also strictly prohibited.
