Local lawmakers are seeking to scrub gambling advertisements from the city’s public celebrations, citing a need to protect children and preserve the “family-friendly” atmosphere of the Summer Capital’s famous festivals.
Councilors Van Oliver Dicang and Yuri Weygan, alongside Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President John Rhey Mananeng, have introduced an ordinance that would ban gambling-related companies from sponsoring or participating in any city-sanctioned events.
The measure defines a “gambling entity” as any individual or organization involved in games of chance, betting, or wagering. This includes casinos, online betting platforms, e-games, and lotteries, whether they operate physically or online. Government-operated gambling intended for public welfare is exempt from the proposal.
Prohibited activities under the proposed law, event organizers are barred from accepting sponsorships or co-sponsorships from gambling firms; displaying logos, banners, or any promotional materials related to gambling; allowing gambling entities to set up booths or stalls; entering into partnerships or indirect agreements through third-party representatives.
The ordinance mandates the Baguio City Tourism Office, the City Mayor’s Office, and other organizing bodies to strictly enforce the ban.
To ensure compliance, the City Legal Office will review all sponsorship contracts. Additionally, the City Social Welfare and Development Office will provide input on the social impact of potential partners, while the Permits and Licensing Division will hold the authority to deny or revoke permits for non-compliant events.
Organizers who bypass the restrictions face escalating penalties include a written warning and immediate cancellation of the event permit after the first offense; a fine ranging from P2,000 to P5,000, event cancellation, and a one-year ban on organizing events in the city for the second offense while on the third offense, organizers may have to pay a P5,000 fine, event cancellation, and a permanent ban.
The city also reserves the right to publicly name and shame both the organizers and the gambling entities involved in violations.
The City Council approved the ordinance on first reading and has been referred to the Committee on Laws and Governance for further review. NLMonitor