REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Pasig Expands Gambling Crackdown With New Ban On Ads And Promotions
Photo cedit: Pasig City FB page
Pasig City is tightening its stance against gambling once again — this time by banning all forms of gambling promotion and advertising within the city. The move follows its earlier landmark decision in 2022, when Pasig became the first LGU to prohibit both POGOs and e-gaming shops.
Under Ordinance No. 26 s-2025, authored by Councilor Paul Senogat, gambling companies will no longer be allowed to display billboards, signages, sponsorships, or any promotional materials in Pasig.
Mayor Vico Sotto recalled how the city faced tremendous pressure when it first banned POGO and e-gaming operations under Ordinance No. 55 s-2022.
He shared that “we received a countless numbers of messages asking us to reconsider; at least 2 councilors told me they were offered money. But we stood firm.”
Now, he says he is glad to see the national government follow suit with a nationwide POGO ban — and even recent convictions linked to POGO-related crimes.
With the new ordinance, Pasig is taking its anti-gambling campaign a step further. While the city acknowledges that it cannot regulate national or online gambling systems, officials say removing advertisements is still a powerful move to reduce exposure and influence.
Explaining the rationale behind the policy, Sotto said:
“Ang dami ko nang nakita na nalulong at nasira ang buhay dahil sa mga active-play gambling games. Kung kusang hanapin ito ng isang tao, desisyon niya yun; pero ibang usapan naman yung maya't maya pinapaalalahanan/hinihikayat ka pabalik doon.”
He added that gambling psychology is widely studied, expressing confidence that the ordinance is backed by research and public welfare:
“I trust that no one will give us a hard time for passing this ordinance 😅.”
Pasig’s new measure marks another major step in the city’s push to limit gambling exposure, protect vulnerable communities, and set a precedent for other LGUs exploring similar restrictions.
Under Ordinance No. 26 s-2025, authored by Councilor Paul Senogat, gambling companies will no longer be allowed to display billboards, signages, sponsorships, or any promotional materials in Pasig.
Mayor Vico Sotto recalled how the city faced tremendous pressure when it first banned POGO and e-gaming operations under Ordinance No. 55 s-2022.
He shared that “we received a countless numbers of messages asking us to reconsider; at least 2 councilors told me they were offered money. But we stood firm.”
Now, he says he is glad to see the national government follow suit with a nationwide POGO ban — and even recent convictions linked to POGO-related crimes.
With the new ordinance, Pasig is taking its anti-gambling campaign a step further. While the city acknowledges that it cannot regulate national or online gambling systems, officials say removing advertisements is still a powerful move to reduce exposure and influence.
Explaining the rationale behind the policy, Sotto said:
“Ang dami ko nang nakita na nalulong at nasira ang buhay dahil sa mga active-play gambling games. Kung kusang hanapin ito ng isang tao, desisyon niya yun; pero ibang usapan naman yung maya't maya pinapaalalahanan/hinihikayat ka pabalik doon.”
He added that gambling psychology is widely studied, expressing confidence that the ordinance is backed by research and public welfare:
“I trust that no one will give us a hard time for passing this ordinance 😅.”
Pasig’s new measure marks another major step in the city’s push to limit gambling exposure, protect vulnerable communities, and set a precedent for other LGUs exploring similar restrictions.
Dec 8, 2025
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