PAGCOR and the Ad Standards Council have signed an MOU to require mandatory pre-screening of all gambling-related ads in the Philippines. This agreement aims to ensure ethical advertising, prevent misleading content, and strengthen consumer protection across all media platforms
After nine months of discussions, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Ad Standards Council (ASC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly regulate and pre-screen all gambling-related advertisements across media platforms.
The signing ceremony, held at PAGCOR’s headquarters in Pasay City, was led by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco and ASC Chairperson Golda Roldan. The partnership aims to strengthen ethical advertising practices within the country’s gambling industry.
Gambling Now a Mandatory Review Category
Under the agreement, gambling promotions will be included in ASC’s list of “Mandatory Review” advertising categories, alongside alcohol, non-prescription drugs, health supplements, transport services with fare promos, and infant formula substitutes. This means all gambling-related ads—whether broadcast, online, print, or outdoor—must obtain ASC approval before release.
“Our main objective is clear: to ensure that gambling advertisements are not misleading and do not exploit vulnerable individuals,” Tengco said in Filipino.
Consumer Protection as a Shared Priority
ASC Chairperson Golda Roldan emphasized the importance of responsible communication in industries like gambling. “This collaboration reflects our shared mission to protect the Filipino public, especially in sectors that demand a higher level of sensitivity and accountability,” she said.
Roldan added that the partnership demonstrates ASC’s ongoing commitment to ethical advertising and safeguarding at-risk communities.
