Tech giant Meta has removed several high-profile Facebook pages belonging to popular Filipino influencers who were allegedly promoting illegal online gambling platforms.
The takedown is a direct response to a broader crackdown on unlicensed gaming led by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The influencers, who have not been named publicly, allegedly used their large social media followings to direct users to unregulated and illicit betting websites.
This practice raised significant concerns among authorities, particularly regarding the exposure of younger and more vulnerable audiences to illegal gambling activities.
PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco praised Meta’s decisive action, emphasizing the critical need for collaboration between government regulators and digital platforms to effectively combat the spread of illegal online gambling.
The move is part of an intensified national campaign against unlicensed operators, with Philippine authorities warning that both the operators of such sites and those who promote them will face serious legal consequences.
In a statement, Meta confirmed that its internal investigations found the removed pages were in direct violation of its community standards and local laws by promoting unlicensed gambling.
This firm action serves as a clear warning to other social media influencers in the region that promoting unauthorized gambling activities will not be tolerated as the government continues to clean up the country’s digital landscape.
