Pasig bans gambling ads

The Pasig City Council has passed an ordinance prohibiting the promotion and advertising of gambling within the jurisdiction of the city, Mayor Vico Sotto announced on Monday, 8 December.

The measure was authored by Councilor Paul Senogat under Ordinance No. 26, series of 2025.

According to Sotto, Pasig was the first local government unit to ban both POGO and computer gambling shops (“e-games”) within its jurisdiction.

"While we were passing the Ordinance (no. 55 s-2022), 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," he said.

"Ngayon, masaya ako dahil banned na rin ang POGO sa buong Pilipinas at meron pa ngang na-convict na dahil sa mga kaugnay nitong krimen," the mayor added.

Under the ordinance, billboards, signages, and sponsorships promoting gambling are strictly prohibited by the local government.

"May mga bagay na hindi na sakop ng kapangyarihan ng local governmenr unit, lalo na kung national/online ang pinaguusapan, pero malaking hakbang na rin ang pagbabawal ng advertisement nito sa ating lungsod," 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," the mayor added.

"Gambling psychology is a highly researched subject, I trust that no one will give us a hard time for passing this ordinance."