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Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation says it is studying whether to completely ban online gambling advertisements on television and radio, following a Senate hearing on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
The issue came up during a Senate Committee on Games and Amusement session, where lawmakers discussed proposals aimed at tightening controls around online gambling and reducing exposure that can reach households and younger viewers.
Tulfo presses the “dead hours” question
Committee chair Senator Erwin Tulfo pushed PAGCOR on why broadcast ads should still air outside the existing prime-time restriction. The hearing discussion referenced a current rule that blocks online gambling ads during prime time, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., then effectively leaves the rest of the day open.
Tulfo asked whether PAGCOR was also looking at shutting the door on ads during off-peak hours, pointing to late morning and mid-afternoon slots where audiences can still include students, stay-at-home viewers, and families.
Tengco says broadcasters want the revenue, but PAGCOR wants zero
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco told the committee that TV and radio stations have been asking if they can keep running online gambling ads during off-peak hours, mainly because ad sales bring in revenue.
He also made PAGCOR’s preference clear: if a total ban is possible, that is what the regulator would rather enforce. Tengco added that PAGCOR and the Advertising Standards Council are reviewing the option.
This builds on last year’s tighter ad controls
The renewed push follows earlier moves to tighten gambling advertising rules. In 2025, PAGCOR and the Advertising Standards Council entered an agreement focused on regulating gambling advertisements, including rules that go beyond broadcast slots.
Now the Senate hearing has moved the conversation from time limits to a more direct question: should online gambling ads disappear from TV and radio entirely.
Source: GMA News Online
