A nationwide ban on gambling advertisements across all media platforms is what is being pushed under Senate Bill No. 2347, a proposed law that seeks to set firm, legally enforceable limits on online gambling promotions.

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero pointed this out as he discussed the merits of Senate Bill No. 2347 in his “Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman” podcast on Sunday, August 16.

Escudero said a nationwide ban on gambling advertisements would help curb addiction and protect vulnerable Filipinos, noting how it has become pervasive and easily accessible to adults and minors alike.

“That is the logic behind our proposed legislation—not to make it easy... How do we make it difficult so that they cannot simply engage in the activity,” Escudero said in his podcast.

The senator said there is a need to institutionalize the ban on gambling‑related advertising through legislation, to include the Ad Standards Council’s voluntary guidelines requiring members to remove gambling imagery and paraphernalia across all media platforms because they are not legally enforceable.

This prompted him to file SB 2347 to prohibit all forms of gambling sponsorships and advertisement across television, radio, print, online platforms, and social media, which he called the “first step in a broader effort to reduce gambling‑related harm.”

“What the law needs to address is the aspect of advertising, because you need to regulate private companies in that area,” he explained.

Escudero suggested that the country move towards a regulatory path similar to the tobacco industry.

The passage of Republic Act No. 9211 banned, among others, cigarette advertising and later expanded to include graphic health warnings.

While many countries have long banned tobacco promotions, he noted that only a few impose strict prohibitions on gambling ads.

Spain limits broadcast hours and bans welcome bonuses, Italy’s Dignity Decree prohibits gambling advertising across all media and sports sponsorships, New Zealand bans affiliate marketing for online gambling, while China prohibits advertising for any internet or real money gambling.

Escudero said these examples show that full advertising bans remain rare globally, underscoring the significance of the Philippines’ move toward stronger industry regulation and consumer protection.

SB No. 2347, he said, lays the groundwork for a more comprehensive regulatory framework for gambling in the Philippines.

The measure prohibits gambling advertisements and promotions, bans the use of celebrity endorsers and influencers, disallows bonus incentives that encourage betting, and bars the placement of gambling content across online, electronic, and physical media.