AKBAYAN party-list Rep. Chel Diokno on Friday commended the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) for its swift decision to remove all gambling-related billboards and outdoor advertisements across the country.
“We laud the swift and decisive action of Pagcor in ordering the removal of all gambling-related out-of-home advertisements,” Diokno said in a statement, calling the move a “significant win” that supports the intent of House Bill No. 1351, or the Kontra E-Sugal bill, which was recently filed by the Akbayan Reform bloc.
The proposed bill seeks to regulate and curb the proliferation of online gambling, especially among vulnerable sectors such as the youth.
Diokno emphasized that while the removal of outdoor ads is a strong first step, much more needs to be done.
“We also urge Pagcor to expand this order to include gambling-related advertisements on social media platforms to curb their reach and influence,” he added.
Diokno called on Pagcor to begin implementing other key provisions of the Kontra E-Sugal bill while waiting for its passage, in an effort to protect Filipinos from the harmful effects of e-gambling.
