Cebu City Legal Office Backs Gambling Ad Ban, Seeks Narrower Terms
Although the Cebu City’s Legal Office has stated that they will support a proposed gambling advertising ban in the entire city, they also would like certain sections of the proposal to be revised to address any legal and constitutional problems. In order for the ordinance to proceed, certain revisions must be made.
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Ordinance Seeks Citywide Ban
The ordinance entitled “Cebu City Anti-Gambling Advertisement Ordinance” has been filed by Councilor Joel Garganera and seeks to make it mandatory for the ban on gambling advertisement to be institutionalized within the city. There will also be imposition of fines and business permit sanctions for those who will be found violating the ordinance.
According to the position paper of the Cebu City Legal Office, which was written on July 20, 2026, the ordinance should be approved, considering that the amendments proposed by them are taken into account. The changes will enable the ordinance to be consistent with the national law.
Digital Ads Need Limits
One of the main concerns raised by the legal office was the ordinance’s treatment of digital and online gambling advertisements. The office said it supports banning physical, sponsored, and event-based gambling promotions in Cebu City under the city’s delegated police power to protect public morals.
It said, however, that the proposed ban on digital gambling advertisements could go too far and may restrict speech protected by the Constitution. The office pointed out that, as written, the measure could cover a wide range of online content, including influencer or affiliate marketing, without properly separating paid commercial gambling ads from other forms of expression.
To address that concern, the legal office recommended limiting the restriction to paid commercial gambling advertisements on digital platforms operated by entities based in Cebu City or otherwise subject to the city’s direct regulatory authority.
Penalties And Due Process
The office also agreed with the ordinance’s plan to impose administrative fines and suspend or revoke business permits for violations. At the same time, it said the measure should clearly include due process protections because those penalties could affect businesses and property rights.
Those protections, according to the position paper, should include written notices of violations, an opportunity for the affected parties to respond, and written decisions that explain the factual and legal basis for any penalties imposed. The office said those safeguards would help make the ordinance more defensible and fair in practice.
The legal office’s position suggests support for enforcement, but with clearer standards for how the city would carry out the penalties.
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Jurisdiction And Definitions
The proposed ordinance also states that the ban would apply regardless of the location of the server or principal office. The legal office said that wording could be seen as an attempt to enforce the measure beyond Cebu City’s territorial jurisdiction.
It also recommended aligning the ordinance’s definitions of gambling and gambling advertisements with existing national laws and regulations. The office cited Presidential Decree No. 1869, as amended, Republic Act No. 9287, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Responsible Gaming Code of Practice.
According to the legal office, using definitions consistent with the national framework would promote uniform interpretation and implementation, reduce uncertainty in enforcement, and lower the risk of conflict with PAGCOR’s authority over lawful gaming operations.
Vulnerable Groups and Minors
According to the Cebu City Legal Office, the ordinance was enacted for the protection of the public morals and minors, among other vulnerable groups, from the possible social harm resulting from the advertising of gambling. In addition, there are similar laws in other nations.
It referred to the Netherlands, where gambling advertisements are prohibited unless it targets adults only. The Dutch government has likewise prohibited the use of celebrities, social media personalities, professional athletes, and other role models as advertising figures in gambling advertisements and has imposed a progressive ban on sports gambling sponsorships.
The office added that there is also a regulation in Australia where gambling advertisements are prohibited during live sports broadcasts and internet gambling ads are strictly regulated.
Public Hearing Ahead
The Cebu City Council has invited the legal office to attend the public hearing on the proposed ordinance before its regular session on July 28, 2026. The hearing is expected to take up the office’s recommendations as part of the council’s review of the measure.
Source: Cebu Daily News
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