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Dateline Iloilo, 3rd flr. Street anne bldg. Luna St. , La Paz, Iloilo City (2026)

Q: What is the address?

3rd Flr. Street Anne Bldg. Luna St. , La Paz

05/10/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐨 "𝐉𝐮𝐧" 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐨, 𝐉𝐫

Reynaldo "Jun" Tamayo, Jr. has solidified his position as one of Mindanao’s prominent local executives, serving as Governor of South Cotabato since 2019. Beyond his provincial duties, he also holds significant national political influence as the President of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) and the National President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP).

Born on February 9, 1980, in Tupi, South Cotabato, Tamayo was raised in a political family. His father, the late Reynaldo Tamayo Sr., served as a representative for the ANGAT Partylist, while his family roots in Tupi local governance stretch back generations. Tamayo completed his education at Notre Dame of Marbel University before entering public service at an early age.

His political trajectory began in local municipal government, where he served as a councilor at 27. In 2010, he was elected Mayor of his hometown, Tupi. During his three consecutive terms as mayor (2010-2019), he established a track record in grassroots development and local infrastructure, setting the foundation for a bid for higher office.

In2019, Tamayo made a major political leap by running for Governor of South Cotabato, defeating incumbent governor Daisy Avance Fuentes. At 39, he became one of the youngest governors to lead the province.

During his tenure as governor, Tamayo has focused on social service delivery, particularly free public healthcare, education support, and agricultural infrastructure. Under his leadership, the provincial government expanded healthcare access by increasing bed capacities and extending local public hospital services.

Tamayo’s political profile grew significantly on the national stage when he was appointed President of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP). PFP went on to become the political party vehicle of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 presidential campaign. Following his reelection victories, Tamayo was also elected by his peers to lead the League of Provinces of the Philippines, advocating for provincial autonomy, decentralization, and regional economic development.

He is increasingly being acknowledged as one of the Philippines' standout governors. Through the initiatives of the Balay Federal Organization, his influence and reputation continue to grow significantly throughout Iloilo and neighboring areas.

21/09/2026

CHIZ: DECENT HOUSING THROUGH USUFRUCT TO BENEFIT MILLIONS OF LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has hailed the Senate’s approval on third and final reading of Senate Bill No. 2421, or the Adequate and Decent Housing Through Usufruct Act, saying the measure will provide millions of low‑income Filipinos with secure and decent homes.

Escudero, chair of the Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, said the bill institutionalizes adequate and decent housing program that allows qualified beneficiaries to occupy and use government‑owned land for residential purposes through usufruct arrangements, while the State retains ownership.

“Through usufruct, families will gain the right to live in government housing without the burden of ownership costs, while ensuring transparency and legal protection through contracts registered with the Registry of Deeds,” he explained.

SB 2421 was passed with 18 affirmative votes, 0 negative vote, and 0 abstention.

Under the proposed law, only underprivileged Filipinos who do not own real property, and who are not professional squatters or members of squatting syndicates, will be eligible for the program. Housing units are strictly for residential use and cannot be sold, leased, mortgaged, or transferred. Violations will cancel the usufruct and disqualify offenders from government housing programs for 10 years.

The measure also allows local government units and other government agencies to extend the benefit to qualified personnel as part of their respective employee housing programs.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development will oversee implementation and monitoring, while LGUs will manage the properties and ensure access to basic services such as water, electricity, and sanitation.

The senator stressed that the measure is designed to prevent abuse while securing tenure for genuine beneficiaries. He also noted that succession rights will allow qualified heirs to continue enjoying the housing benefit.

The bill was presented under Committee Report No. 79, consolidating earlier measures filed by Senators Lito Lapid and Camille Villar.

18/09/2026

CHIZ WELCOMES SENATE’S APPROVAL OF BILL FIXING TERM OF BARANGAY, SK OFFICIALS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero thanked his colleagues for approving on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2387, which fixes the term of office of barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to five years.

With its approval, the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) originally set for November 2026 will be moved to November 2028, and thereafter held every five years on the second Monday of November to avoid conflict with the annual observance of All Saints’ Day.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting this measure that will strengthen barangay governance and give our local leaders the time they need to deliver meaningful programs,” Escudero said after the plenary vote.

The bill was passed during the chamber’s session this afternoon, with 13 affirmative votes, 5 negative vote, and zero abstention.

Among the amendments introduced during the plenary debate was the limitation of service to two consecutive five-year terms for barangay officials, instead of three, while SK officials are restricted to only one term to ensure broader youth participation and leadership turnover.

Escudero, principal author and sponsor of the measure, explained that a five‑year term provides barangay and SK officials a longer, uninterrupted period to plan, implement, and evaluate programs before the next electoral transition.

“Barangays are planners, implementers, first responders, peacekeepers, and frontline service providers—all at a level where government interacts directly with households and families,” he said.

The veteran legislator stressed that the measure strikes a balance between continuity and democratic accountability, granting local officials ample time to complete long‑term initiatives without the constant disruption of frequent elections.

“Sa limang taong termino, mas may panahon ang ating mga opisyal na magpatupad ng mga programa at proyekto na tunay na makikinabang ang kanilang mga komunidad,” he concluded.

15/09/2026

CHIZ PUSHES FOR DIGITIZED SEA TRAVEL RECORDS TO AVOID CRISIS INFO GAPS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for the rapid, nationwide rollout of the government’s maritime digital passenger manifest system after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) raised the possibility that the ill-fated MV June Aster may have been carrying more passengers than its official manifest recorded.

According to Escudero, the recent sea tragedy in Coron, Palawan once again exposes critical gaps in maritime safety protocols, underscoring the urgent need to real-time passenger data during emergencies.

While the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has already mandated the use of digital passenger manifests to curb overloading and strengthen sea safety, Escudero observed that implementation across regional ports remains inconsistent.

“What happened to MV June Aster shows why we must accelerate and expand the rollout,” he said.

Last March, MARINA tapped Iloilo and Guimaras as pilot areas where it implemented tap‑and‑go cards that automatically generate manifests and QR‑based registration via a mobile app developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology. These technologies provide port authorities and the PCG with accurate, real‑time data before any vessel leaves the pier, significantly strengthening emergency response capabilities.

The veteran legislator pointed out that several ASEAN neighbors have already adopted stricter digital manifest protocols, and the Philippines must “catch up” to prevent tragedies from being compounded by information gaps.

Among its regional neighbors, Escudero noted that Singapore and Malaysia require electronic submission of manifests before sailing, Indonesia uses QR‑based boarding systems, and Japan and South Korea mandate real‑time electronic manifests for all commercial passenger vessels.

He said the Philippines must adopt similar standards to ensure maritime safety keeps pace with regional best practices.

“Kung ang aviation ay may mahigpit na real‑time digital passenger manifest, dapat ganito rin ang pamantayan sa ating maritime sector. Sa panahon ng digital systems at real‑time reporting, hindi dapat nagkakaroon ng ganitong kalaking puwang sa impormasyon,” he said, adding that millions of Filipinos rely on inter‑island travel and deserve the same level of protection.

The senator likewise extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged government agencies and the ship’s owners to provide full assistance to relatives arriving in Palawan. He likewise called for support for survivors currently being treated in hospitals.

According to the latest PCG report, there were 132 people on board the MV June Aster as per the manifest. Of these, 76 have been confirmed dead, 43 survivors have been accounted for, and 13 remain missing. Two passengers listed in the manifest did not board.

The PCG urged relatives of those still missing to coordinate with the local government of Coron and the Coast Guard to help authorities establish the actual number of unaccounted passengers and crew.

Escudero said the tragedy should lead to a comprehensive review of the country’s maritime safety system, including fire suppression standards under the Philippine Ship Safety Rules and Regulations (PSSRR, 2021); crew training and certification under the Standards of Training; Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW, 1978, as adopted in RA 10635); vessel age limits under the Domestic Shipping Development Act (RA 9295); and regulatory oversight by the Philippine Coast Guard Law (RA 9993).

“It has been almost five days since the incident, and the investigation must be expedited. As we grieve, we must also act. Hindi na dapat maulit ang ganitong trahedya na puwede namang maiwasan. Tiyakin natin ang ligtas na biyahe para sa bawat pasaherong tumatawid sa ating mga karagatan,” he said.

09/09/2026

CHIZ: BROADER, UNIFORM DEFINITION OF INDIGENCY TO MAKE GOV’T. SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called for a broader definition of indigency to grant more Filipinos access to government services, saying current standards are too narrow and fail to capture the realities faced by many households.

In his podcast “Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman” aired over the weekend, Escudero noted that indigency is often equated with membership in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, leaving out families who may not be income‑poor but are unable to absorb medical or litigation costs.

He pointed out that under current laws, “indigency” lacks a uniform definition, varying across the different government agencies that define it.

Barangays issue certificates of indigency in accordance with the Local Government Code, the Public Attorney’s Office aligns its threshold with the Philippine Statistics Authority metrics, while the 4Ps law relies on the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s targeting system to identify poor households.

“Indigency, therefore, should also be defined by circumstance, and not just income,” he said.

To illustrate his point, the veteran legislator said families burdened by serious illness such as leukemia may be considered “cancer‑indigent,” while those unable to shoulder litigation costs could be classified as “litigation‑indigent” to reflect real situations. Even professionals, like teachers, who may earn above the minimum wage still fall into these categories when faced with extraordinary expenses.

This restrictive framework, the senator said, excludes households who may exceed income thresholds but are incapable of absorbing litigation costs or medical bills.

“Ano ba talaga ibig sabihin ng indigency? Meaning 4Ps ka ba? Ang problema kasi sa batas natin iisa lang ibig sabihin ng indigency. Pero para sa akin iba’t iba ang level ng indigency,” Escudero said.

“Kamukha rin nito magpa-file ka ng nullity of marriage, hindi naman ganon kadaling pulutin ‘yung P200,000 to P500,000 na panggastos diyan, di ba? So, litigation-indigent siya. Pag may nagkasakit sa pamilya mo, tulad ng cancer, cancer‑indigent ‘yung pamilya mo,” he explained.

The veteran legislator said the present one-size-fits-all requirement should be revisited to recognize different classifications of indigency—a position supported by his podcast guest, litigation lawyer Maggie Garduque, who said that such classifications are possible under the Constitution’s equal protection clause.

07/09/2026

Grab, Iloilo taxi operators expand access to EV ride-hailing

Grab is partnering with Iloilo transport operators Quarry Taxi and MOMOFED Taxi to expand access to electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing services in Western Visayas through GrabTaxi Electric, giving local EV taxi drivers more opportunities to serve passengers through the Grab platform.

For drivers, operating costs directly shape their earnings and their ability to sustain operations over time. Drivers report that EVs can reduce operating costs per kilometer by up to 75% compared with comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) taxis, based on a daily mileage of 250 to 300 kilometers and subject to local charging, energy, and maintenance costs.

"Electric mobility will succeed when it delivers real and lasting value to the communities that keep our cities moving. In Iloilo, Grab is working alongside local taxi operators and driver communities to expand economic opportunities, strengthen livelihoods, and give commuters cleaner and more reliable ways to travel. As fuel prices remain unpredictable, electrification also offers a more resilient path forward, helping taxi operators manage costs and drivers protect their earnings for the long term," said Gines Barot, GrabCar General Manager.

Quarry Taxi, operated by Feast Group Inc., is the first operator in Region 6 to introduce EVs for taxi services and is among Grab's pilot partners for fleet electrification in Western Visayas. Led by Vice President Engr. Felvin Gurrea, Quarry Taxi is deploying 55 Bestune NAT units for daily taxi operations.

"Introducing Iloilo’s first electric taxis is more than a fleet upgrade. It’s a meaningful step toward a cleaner and more sustainable future for mobility in Western Visayas. By providing drivers with dedicated charging support and access to more passenger channels, we’re giving them the tools they need to operate confidently while making taxi services more convenient, comfortable and environmentally friendly for the riding public. We’re proud to be part of Iloilo’s transition to smarter, cleaner transportation and to help shape the future of mobility in Western Visayas," said Engr. Gurrea.

MOMOFED Transport Group Corporation, the company behind MOMOFED Taxi in Iloilo, is also a pilot partner of Grab for fleet electrification in Western Visayas. Established in 2018, the company represents local transport operators and brings experience in driver representation, fleet management, and Iloilo's major commuting corridors. Its initial electric taxi fleet consists of BYD eMAX 7 vehicles.

"Modernizing public transport must include the people who keep our cities moving every day. Through this partnership, our operators and drivers can participate in Iloilo's shift toward cleaner mobility while continuing to serve passengers in ways that work for them," said MOMOFED Taxi President Ma. Gemma Federico.

Both Quarry Taxi and MOMOFED Taxi provide complimentary EV charging for their fleet drivers at their respective main garages and depots in Iloilo City.
Beyond the operators' own depots, Iloilo drivers can also charge at public stations through Grab's partnerships with EV charging provider ACMobility. The agreement gives GrabTaxi Electric operators and driver-partners preferential rates across ACMobility chargers nationwide, lowering per-kWh charging costs by as much as 45%.

In Iloilo City, drivers can locate and pay at ACMobility's charge points through the Evro app, with stations at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Robinsons Iloilo, and Seda Atria.

GrabTaxi Electric and its partner operators also partnered with Original Equipment Manufacturers such as Toyota, BYD, GAC, MG, and Geely to support the program through the supply of durable, regulatory-compliant taxi models with local LTFRB and LTO approvals. These partners will also provide local after-sales and spare-parts support, preferential purchasing rates, fleet warranties and priority maintenance.

The initiative supports Grab's commitment to expanding access to reliable transport while helping local operators and driver-partners participate in the shift toward more sustainable mobility.

26/08/2026

CHIZ URGES SENATE TO PASS BILL FIXING 5-YEAR TERM FOR BARANGAY, SK OFFICIALS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday exhorted his colleagues to act with urgency on Senate Bill No. 2387, which proposes to fix the tenure of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to five years instead of the current four-year term.

Delivering his sponsorship speech on the measure under Committee Report No. 77, Escudero said the Senate must act swiftly on the proposal before the end of September to ensure predictability in the conduct of the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) scheduled this November.

He noted that the filing of certificates of candidacy is already set for next month, underscoring the need for Congress to decide promptly whether the elections will proceed or be reset under the new term structure.

“Mr. President, I ask that the body act on this bill with urgency for or against it, before the end of September, given the fact that the Barangay Elections is scheduled to be conducted this November and the filing of Certificates of Candidacy are slated already in the coming month,” Escudero said.

“Although I favor this measure, I hope this body will give priority to this measure so that we can decide on it and so that there will be predictability with respect to the upcoming elections—whether indeed it will push through or will be postponed in accordance with the new term that will be approved by Congress, should it decide in its wisdom,” he added.

The veteran legislator explained that the Constitution expressly empowers Congress to determine the term of barangay officials, a policy judgment affirmed by the Supreme Court in Macalintal v. Senate. He noted that the Court recognized the need to balance continuity against accountability, and administrative efficiency against democratic change.

“That is the policy judgment which the present measure asks us to consider—whether, as a matter of policy, a five-year term provides a better governing window than the four years presently provided by law,” he stressed.

Escudero argued that a five‑year term provides a better governing window than the current four years, allowing barangay and SK officials sufficient time to organize, implement, and evaluate programs without the disruption of frequent elections.

“Barangays are planners, implementers, first responders, peacekeepers, conciliators, and frontline service providers—all at a scale where government knows the family, the street, and often the problem by name,” he said.

He added that the proposal is not unprecedented, citing past laws, namely Republic Act No. 6653 and Republic Act No. 8524 that also prescribed five‑year terms for barangay officials. “This bill is a term‑setting measure, enacted in the exercise of the power expressly conferred upon Congress by Article X, Section 8 of the Constitution,” Escudero pointed out.

Committee Report No. 77, jointly prepared by the Committees on Local Government and Finance, has recommended the approval of SB 2387 with amendments, taking into consideration SB 2067 filed by Senator Imee Marcos.

During Monday’s hearing presided by Escudero, multi‑sectoral representatives expressed strong support for the five-year-term. The Liga ng mga Barangay, the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and the National Youth Commission (NYC) all backed the measure, stressing that a longer term would institutionalize stability and break the cycle of frequent postponements.

17/08/2026

CHIZ: NATIONWIDE AD BAN ON ONLINE GAMBLING COVERS ALL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for a nationwide ban on gambling advertisements across all media platforms to curb addiction and protect vulnerable Filipinos.

In his “Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman” podcast aired on Sunday, Escudero discussed his proposed measure, Senate Bill No. 2347, which seeks to set firm, legally enforceable limits on how gambling platforms promote themselves.

“Iyan ‘yung logic ng ating proposed legislation, huwag padaliin … Paano ba pahirapan ‘to para hindi basta-basta makapaglaro,” he stressed, noting that online gaming has become pervasive and easily accessible to adults and minors alike.

According to Escudero, 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 has 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.”

“Ang kailangan ng batas ay itong sa advertisement dahil kailangan mong i-regulate dito ‘yung mga private companies,” he said.

The Bicolano senator said the country is moving toward a regulatory path similar to the to***co industry, which began with the passage of Republic Act 9211 that banned, among others, cigarette advertising and later expanded to include graphic health warnings.

He noted that while many countries have long banned to***co promotions, 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.

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

Content creator and anti-gambling advocate Carlo Ople expressed support for the passage of SB 2347, saying online gambling apps are intentionally engineered to be addictive. “It was designed specifically to get you addicted … painless, effortless, and addictive,” he told the senator during the podcast.

Meanwhile, recovering compulsive gambler Darren Telan committed to advocate for the legislation as he admitted that gambling advertisements are direct triggers for individuals trying to recover. “Kapag kami nakakita ng ads, babalik or trigger sa amin ‘yun,” he said.

Escudero said his proposed measure lays the groundwork for a more comprehensive regulatory framework for gambling in the Philippines.

The bill 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.

11/08/2026

*CHIZ: CHANGE IN DOH LEADERSHIP TO BRING STABILITY TO UHC ROLLOUT*

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has welcomed Malacañang’s appointment of a new Health Secretary, saying the Palace’s action helps resolve the leadership issues that have recently hounded the Department of Health (DOH) and threatened to disrupt the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC).

Escudero said the decision provides “much‑needed clarity and stability” for the agency, which he earlier urged Malacañang to intervene in to ensure the continuity and ex*****on of the UHC program.

“We welcome the new appointment and we wish the newly appointed Health Secretary, Dr. Edwin Mercado, all the best as he takes on his new role as the administration’s chief implementer of its health programs,” he said.

Escudero also welcomed the designation of Dr. Beverly Lorraine C. Ho as the new President and CEO of PhilHealth, saying her appointment complements the leadership transition at the DOH. Ho, the current chief health officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc., previously served at the DOH as undersecretary and was health department’s deputy spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ang pagtalaga kay Dr. Ho sa PhilHealth ay nagbibigay ng karagdagang lakas sa ating UHC reforms. May sapat siyang karanasan sa public health at pamamahala upang maipagpatuloy ang mga repormang kailangan ng sistema,” Escudero pointed out.

In his podcast Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman over the weekend, the veteran legislator appealed to the Palace to address the DOH’s leadership concerns involving Mercado’s immediate predecessor, Jose Pujalte Jr., warning that unresolved issues could hinder the rollout of UHC and weaken preventive healthcare programs nationwide.

With a new secretary now in place, Escudero said the DOH can refocus on strengthening UHC implementation, particularly in widening PhilHealth coverage and improving access for both public and private health facilities.

He noted that incoming Secretary Mercado, who is a US‑trained orthopedic surgeon with 35 years of experience in hospital management and has served as PhilHealth president and CEO since February last year, brings institutional familiarity that can help stabilize ongoing reforms.

"Ang pagtalaga kay Dr. Ho sa PhilHealth ay nagbibigay ng karagdagang lakas sa ating UHC reforms. May sapat siyang karanasan sa public health at pamamahala upang maipagpatuloy ang mga repormang kailangan ng sistema,” Escudero pointed out.

PhilHealth currently covers nearly 70 million registered members and more than 38 million dependents, or over 108 million Filipinos. During the weekend podcast, the veteran legislator emphasized that this wide membership base requires a stable DOH leadership to address gaps in preventive care, emergency response in remote areas, and uneven implementation at the local government level.

According to the Bicolano senator, PhilHealth’s financial position remains stable, saying the agency has sufficient funds to support wider benefit coverage. “Hindi kulang ang pondo ng PhilHealth. May sapat na pondo … Sistema lang talaga dapat ang ayusin para mas mapalawak ang coverage.”

Escudero told his podcast listeners that discussions on UHC and PhilHealth benefits remain extensive, including the need to improve support for barangay health workers and address long‑standing gaps in service delivery.

“Pipilitin po nating matugunan iyan. Mahaba pa po ang usapin kaugnay sa universal health care … gayun din ‘yung dapat nating tahaking landas tungo sa mithiin nating lahat na totoo, makatarungan at pangkalahatang pagpapatupad ng UHC para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.

03/08/2026

CHIZ SEEKS TO INSTITUTIONALIZE BAN ON GAMBLING ADS, SPONSORSHIPS TO CURB ADDICTION

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has proposed a nationwide ban on gambling-related advertisements and sponsorships to curb excessive and irresponsible gambling behavior while protecting minors and other vulnerable groups.

Escudero said the measure mirrors the country’s earlier approach to the to***co industry under Republic Act 9211, or the To***co Regulation Act of 2003, which imposed sweeping restrictions on advertising to safeguard public health.

“It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated to***co two decades ago,” he said upon filing of Senate Bill No. 2347, noting that both sectors pose significant risks when promotions become pervasive and youth targeted.

RA 9211, which Escudero supported during his tenure in the House of Representatives, prohibited to***co advertising across print, broadcast, electronic, and outdoor media and barred the use of celebrity endorsements and branded placements in entertainment content, which proved to be effective in reducing undue exposure among minors and non-adult smokers.

Escudero’s SB 2347 seeks to apply a similar standard to gambling promotions by banning advertisements on television, radio, print, online, and social media platforms, including celebrity endorsements and influencer campaigns. The bill also calls for responsible gambling advisories in authorized consumer communications to remind the public of the risks of compulsive gaming.

The senator also cited the recent initiative of the Ad Standards Council (ASC), which voluntarily issued a self-regulation circular requiring its members to ban gambling imagery and paraphernalia across all media platforms.

“My bill shall institutionalize this effort by placing the restrictions under a national legal framework, ensuring uniform enforcement and preventing gaps in regulation,” he stressed.

While the gambling industry contributes significantly to government revenues, employment, and tourism, “it has likewise fueled advertisements, promotions, sponsorships, marketing, and other analogous consumer communications that are becoming increasingly pervasive, sophisticated, and targeted,” Escudero said.

The veteran legislator warned that the growing visibility of gambling‑related services “presents significant public mental and physical well‑being and socioeconomic concerns, particularly with respect to undue exposure, excessive, compulsive, and irresponsible gambling behavior.”

In the bill’s explanatory note, the senator cited the rapid expansion of online and digital gaming platforms, with the Philippine gambling industry recording some P396.13 billion in gross gaming revenues for Fiscal Year 2025, as evidence of its record‑breaking growth.

He said the measure aims to balance economic gains with social responsibility, while holding gambling operators and advertisers to higher ethical standards.

To ensure orderly implementation, SB 2347 provides a one-year transition period upon the law’s passage for gambling operators and advertisers to phase out existing materials and align their operations with forthcoming regulations, an approach will allow agencies and stakeholders to adjust compliance mechanisms before full enforcement takes effect, minimizing disruption while strengthening oversight, Escudero said.

Violations of the advertising ban will carry escalating penalties: a fine of up to P200,000 or imprisonment of up to one year for the first offense; P300,000 or up to two years for the second; and P500,000 or up to three years for the third, along with revocation of business permits or licenses.

Meanwhile, corporate officers and foreign nationals found liable will face corresponding sanctions, including deportation.

The Bicolano senator said the imposition of penalties is “only to ensure its effective implementation,” underscoring that deterrence is essential to protect public welfare and uphold the integrity of the law.

The bill also mandates an education and awareness campaign to promote responsible gambling and inform the public about available mental‑health support and consumer protection programs. Government agencies will be tasked to develop sustained information drives that highlight the risks of compulsive gaming and encourage informed decision‑making among players.

Escudero said the measure ultimately seeks to “foster a more responsible gaming environment, protect minors and vulnerable persons, promote informed consumer choice, and advance public interest.”

Dateline Iloilo

05/10/2026

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