Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has removed the pages of at least 20 Filipino influencers linked to illegal online gambling promotions, following a joint request from the Philippine government and local digital advocacy group Digital Pinoys.
Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo confirmed the development, saying it marks a strong show of resolve from both civil society and authorities in addressing the surge of gambling-related content online.
“We thank Meta for swiftly acting on our joint request with CICC [Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center] to take down the pages of influencers blatantly promoting illegal online gambling,” Gustilo said. “We hope the remaining pages flagged in our initial report will be removed in the coming days.”
Among the accounts removed were those of several high-profile personalities, including Boy Tapang (5.5 million followers), Sachzna Laparan (9.7 million followers), Kuya Lex TV (100,000 followers), and actor Mark Anthony Fernandez (242,000 followers). The 20 names were part of an initial list submitted by Digital Pinoys and endorsed by the CICC to Meta.
Gustilo warned that this may be only the beginning. “Some of these influencers thought they were untouchable—that we were bluffing. They had more than enough time to comply. They gambled with the law, and now they’re facing the consequences.”
He praised the CICC for its involvement, particularly highlighting the leadership of Assistant Secretary Aboy Paraiso in coordinating the effort.
The move has also garnered support from the legislative branch. Senator Joel Villanueva welcomed the cooperation between Meta, the CICC, and Digital Pinoys, describing the action as “a significant step forward in our campaign to push for a total ban on online gambling.”
Villanueva, who has authored Senate Bill No. 47—the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act—said influencer contracts should include morality clauses to discourage the promotion of gambling activities.
“This sends a message that public figures have a responsibility to promote ethical conduct and not expose the public, especially the youth, to the dangers of gambling,” he said.
