PAGCOR ORDERS LICENSEE TO PULL OUT ADS FROM OFFENSIVE TV SHOW

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation today said it has ordered one of its licensees to pull out its advertising sponsorship for an online TV program that features bra-less women to ensure the integrity of the local gaming industry.

According to Atty. Jeremy Luglug, PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for the Electronic Gaming and Licensing Department, he immediately called the concerned licensee after an online podcast informed PAGCOR about the sponsorship for the controversial TV show hosted by a popular actor.

“We will not tolerate such advertising support by any of our licensees for such very demeaning and sex-oriented show,” Mr. Luglug said.

He clarified that the licensee does not own the said show featuring nearly naked women as claimed by the online podcast, adding that the licensee is in fact a Filipino and not a foreigner as alleged.

Likewise, the PAGCOR official belied claims that young people are getting addicted to gambling because only adults have access to gaming sites as well as to electronic wallets that are being used to place bets.

“Our licensees have very strict Know Your Customer or KYC protocols to ensure that only those who are 21 years old and above can play,” he said. “And the same is true with our e-wallet providers.”

However, he said it could be possible that minors can play through unlicensed and illegal online gaming sites which are not registered with PAGCOR.

“That is why we urge the public, especially our parents, to ensure that young people are not able to access sites that are intended only for adults.

“We also urge gamers and players to patronize only PAGCOR-licensed gaming operators to preserve the integrity of the gaming industry,” Mr. Luglug added.