Philippines Targets Influencers Over Illegal Gambling Ads

The latest crackdown in the Philippines began with a list—one that could reshape how local influencers operate and how the government combats unlawful online gambling promotions.

CICC Moves Against Non-Compliant Influencers

What many assumed would blow over has escalated into formal action.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has turned over the names of 30 influencers to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), alleging they continued to advertise illegal gambling platforms despite prior warnings.

CICC Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said the agency’s Threat Monitoring Team, working alongside advocacy group Digital Pinoys, identified creators who persisted in posting gambling content. The top 15 individuals reportedly command audiences ranging from 1.1 million to 9.2 million followers, amplifying the reach of the illegal promotions.

Paraiso confirmed that all listed influencers had been instructed to take down their videos—but several ignored the directive, prompting the referral to law enforcement.

He added that the CICC will also coordinate with authorities to request the removal of the gambling websites featured in the posts.

Legal Exposure Intensifies

What may appear as harmless social media clips becomes a regulatory flashpoint when millions of viewers are involved.

This development follows a CICC advisory issued in July warning creators to stop endorsing unlicensed gambling operators or risk legal consequences. While many complied, others continued posting.

The influencers may now face charges related to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Presidential Decree 1602 on illegal gambling, and Article 315 on fraud. Investigators are also examining whether some creators acted in coordination, which could raise the severity of the case to syndicated or large-scale fraud.

Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said the group is preparing to deploy new monitoring software capable of detecting illegal gambling sites more efficiently.

A Broader Push for Digital Accountability

The issue has grown beyond brand promotions. It centers on public protection and digital responsibility.

The CICC’s move highlights the government’s renewed commitment to curbing illegal gambling operations online and shielding Filipino audiences from misleading or unlawful content. As influencer-driven marketing continues to shape consumer behavior, authorities are stepping up efforts to regulate the digital environment.

For the influencers named on the list, attention has shifted sharply the next chapter may involve legal filings rather than sponsored content. For the Philippines, the campaign marks another push toward a safer, more accountable online ecosystem.