Social media giant Meta has taken aggressive action by removing Facebook pages of top Filipino influencers and creators accused of promoting unlicensed online gambling platforms, according to watchdog group Digital Pinoys.
This marks one of the most significant digital enforcement efforts in the Philippines amid growing public outcry and regulatory scrutiny over illegal online gambling and influencer accountability.
🚫 High-Profile Influencers Affected by the Takedown
Among the major personalities whose Facebook pages were removed or suspended:
- Boy Tapang – 55 million followers
- Sachzna Laparan – 97 million followers
- Kuya Lex TV – 100K followers
- Actor Mark Anthony Fernandez – 242K followers
Sachzna Laparan, however, disputed the claim. She clarified that her account was merely suspended, not banned, and attributed the issue to cash giveaways via a mobile wallet, not gambling promotion:
“I don’t have any violation regarding promotion ng casino,” she told followers.
Full List of Pages Reportedly Removed by Meta
Digital Pinoys stated Meta took further action against other influencers for similar gambling-related violations:
- Miss Ginbilog – 167M followers
- Vic Desuatan – 67M
- Yalu Ok – 46M
- Hypebits – 46M
- MoxieTV – 1.2M
- Mga Ka-Dreamers 2.0 – 1.1M
- TanleyTV – 980K
- Aklas – 710K
- Salas Jinky – 707K
- Ekang Shurikat – 442K
- Ann Mini Vlog – 292K
- Ralyn Jane Pangasian Bernante – 292K
- Gaile Ocariza – 244K
- Gangster Squad – 85K
- Frisco Gaming – 68K
- AwitG – 45K
🛡️ Digital Pinoys: A Step Toward Digital Accountability
Advocacy group Digital Pinoys welcomed the move, calling it a “critical step forward in regulating influencer-driven online gambling promotions.”
“These takedowns help protect online users—especially minors—from being lured into unregulated gambling sites,” said a representative. “Influencers must be held accountable.”
The group has long pushed for tighter digital advertising laws, especially involving unauthorized gambling sites targeting Filipinos via social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Insights & Implications
1. Rise of Shadow Marketing for Online Gambling
As advertising bans tighten, illegal gambling operators increasingly leverage influencers as soft marketing channels, often through giveaways, shoutouts, and embedded links to offshore betting apps.
2. Facebook and TikTok as Gambling Entry Points
With gambling ads restricted by most networks, Facebook pages and TikTok accounts became the main funnel for user acquisition. Promoted live streams, flashy jackpot videos, and sponsored reels drew millions of views—many from minors.
3. The Regulatory Grey Zone
There is currently no specific Philippine law preventing influencers from promoting gambling. Meta’s move could pressure government agencies like PAGCOR, NTC, and DICT to introduce digital compliance guidelines for social media-based endorsements.
Impact on the Gambling and Creator Economy
💥 Content Creators
Creators with massive followings now risk suspension, demonetization, or full bans if found endorsing illegal gambling content. Many are expected to pivot to lifestyle, travel, or product review niches to maintain engagement.
🎲 Gambling Industry
With the loss of major marketing channels, illegal gambling platforms face serious hurdles in user growth. Industry insiders predict a shift to underground marketing or encrypted app-based referral systems.
📉 Stock Market & Public Companies
Companies like DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (PLUS) and Bloomberry Resorts Corp. (BLOOM)—both listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE)—may see increased volatility as the Marcos administration tightens its stance.
PLUS, which runs digital platforms like BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, could see revenue dips if influencer-led traffic is further restricted.
📣 What Happens Next?
- August 15, 2025: PAGCOR deadline for takedown of gambling-related ads across physical and digital platforms.
- July 28, 2025: President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) is expected to include mention of the gambling crisis.
- Expected 2025-Q4: New regulations governing influencer advertising, KYC (know-your-customer) processes, and digital wallet gambling controls.
The Meta takedowns mark a defining moment for digital accountability in the Philippines. As regulators and advocacy groups unite, the country may soon establish one of Southeast Asia’s strictest frameworks on influencer and gambling promotions. Brands, creators, and investors must now adapt to a rapidly changing digital landscape—where reach no longer trumps responsibility.
