The gaming regulator also said that the company involved in the promotion did not seek permission for the said activity.
During the House committee on appropriations’ hearing on the budget proposal of state gaming regulator Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Monday, August 24, Kamanggagawa Party-list Representative Eli San Fernando asked PAGCOR Chairperson Alejandro Tengco.
He pointed out the recent viral social media stunt involving actress-influencer Ivana Alawi, who gave out 100 units iPhone 17 Pro Max, worth a total of PHP4.28 million to her followers.
However, the catch was to follow her “CP Fam” and commenting on a specific post to be considered for the giveaway. The said account is linked to an online gambling platform, which Alawi is a brand ambassador of.
“Wala po kahit saan dito ‘yung pagsunod sa (Ad Standards Council), approval po sa PAGCOR,” San Fernando said, referring to the absence of any note within that post.
Tha lawmaker also called out Alawi without naming the specific gambling firm she was linked to.
In response, Tengco said that PAGCOR has since ordered the gaming firm to stop the promotion and revealed that the company did not seek any permission to mount the said giveaway.
The official also said that the agency has since issued a fine and stern warning to the company. “We fined the online gaming company P1 million and together with that a stern warning na hindi na dapat maulit ito,” he said.
Tengco also confirmed that they have warned the company would face heavier penalties, including possible suspension or revocation of its license, should a similar campaign happens in the future.
Meanwhile, the PAGCOR chief also said in the same hearing that while they do not have the police powers to penalize those involved in the promotion of illegal gambling platforms, the agency does coordinate with and recommend filing of cases to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).
