TLDR
- Cebu City’s Legal Office supports a citywide ban on gambling advertisements but wants revisions before approval.
- The office says the ban on digital gambling ads is too broad and could violate free speech protections.
- It recommends limiting digital ad restrictions to paid commercial gambling ads tied to Cebu City based entities.
- The office backs fines and permit sanctions for violators but wants clear due process rules added.
- A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for July 28, 2026.
The Cebu City Legal Office has given its support to a proposed ban on gambling advertisements across the city. The ordinance was filed by Councilor Joel Garganera.
It is called the Cebu City Anti-Gambling Advertisement Ordinance. The measure would ban gambling ads in public spaces and impose fines on violators.
Business permits could also be suspended or revoked for repeat offenders. The Legal Office reviewed the plan in a position paper dated July 20, 2026.
The office said it agrees with banning physical, sponsored, and event based gambling promotions. It cited the city’s power to protect public morals as the legal basis.
Digital Ads Raise Concerns
The office raised concerns about how the ordinance treats online gambling ads. It said the current wording could be too wide in scope.
As written, the ban might cover influencer posts and affiliate marketing. The office said this could restrict speech that is protected under the Constitution.
It suggested narrowing the rule. The ban should apply only to paid commercial gambling ads on platforms run by Cebu based businesses.
This change would keep the ordinance focused on commercial activity. It would also help the city avoid legal challenges tied to speech rights.
Fines Need Due Process
The Legal Office agreed that fines and permit penalties should apply to rule breakers. But it said the process for issuing penalties needs to be clearer.
It recommended written notices be sent to businesses accused of violations. Business owners should also get a chance to respond before penalties are finalized.
Any final decision should explain the facts and legal reasons behind it. The office said these steps would make enforcement fair and harder to challenge in court.
The ordinance also says the ban applies no matter where a server or company office is located. The Legal Office said this wording could reach beyond the city’s legal authority.
It suggested the ordinance match definitions already used in national gambling laws. This includes rules under Presidential Decree No. 1869 and Republic Act No. 9287.
Using shared definitions would reduce confusion during enforcement. It would also lower the chance of conflict with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
The Legal Office said the ordinance is meant to protect minors and other vulnerable groups from harm linked to gambling ads. It pointed to similar rules in other countries.
In the Netherlands, gambling ads cannot target minors and celebrities cannot be used to promote gambling. Australia bans gambling ads during live sports broadcasts and regulates online gambling ads closely.
The Cebu City Council has invited the Legal Office to join a public hearing on the ordinance. That hearing takes place before the council’s regular session on July 28, 2026.
Council members are expected to review the office’s recommendations at the hearing. The outcome could shape how the final ordinance is written before a vote.
