New MOU Signed to Pre-Screen Gambling Advertisements in the Philippines

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.

Mr. Tengco said the MOU was a product of careful planning and thorough consultations with the ASC, contrary to what detractors were claiming that it was a rushed response to recent concerns about illegal online gambling and unregulated advertising.

“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,” Mr. Tengco said.

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 curb misleading content and protect vulnerable groups from potential harm.

“Simple lamang po ang pinaka-layunin natin dito: ang tiyakin na ang mga patalastas ukol sa sugal ay hindi nanlilinlang at hindi sumasamantala sa kahinaan ng iba,” the PAGCOR chief added.

For her part, ASC Chairperson Roldan said the collaboration underscores ASC’s commitment to protect consumers particularly in industries that require heightened sensitivity in messaging.

“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,” she said.

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 completely remove all gambling-related outdoor ads.