PAGCOR Fines Gaming Firm ₱1-M Over Unauthorized Ivana Alawi Promo

NEWS | The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has slapped an online gaming company with a ₱1 million fine for executing an unauthorized promotional campaign featuring top celebrity and vlogger Ivana Alawi.

Unauthorized Giveaway Sparks Fine

The issue came to light on Monday, August 24, 2026, during the House of Representatives deliberations regarding PAGCOR's proposed 2027 national budget. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco confirmed the penalty after being questioned by Kamanggagawa Representative Eli San Fernando regarding the viral promotional campaign.

The unauthorized promotion involved a high-profile digital giveaway where 100 iPhones were promised to users in exchange for liking and subscribing to the gaming platform. Under PAGCOR guidelines, all marketing initiatives and player rewards programs run by licensed electronic gaming operators must secure direct regulatory approval before public launch. Because the firm bypassed this approval, the strict ₱1 million administrative fine was enforced.

Crackdown on Illegal Offshore Platforms

The budget hearing also highlighted a larger government crackdown on illegal gambling operations targeting Filipino internet users. PAGCOR and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) noted that numerous unregulated online gaming platforms operate from offshore jurisdictions.

The CICC has issued stern warnings advising local content creators and influencers against endorsing unlicensed or non-PAGCOR-approved platforms. Lawmakers have emphasized that many of these offshore websites illegally bypass local taxes and fail to enforce strict age restrictions, exposing minors to gambling risks.

Influencers Facing Legal Troubles

The penalty on the gaming firm coincides with heightened scrutiny on digital creators. More than 15 high-profile social media influencers and endorsers are currently facing ongoing criminal complaints and active investigations forwarded by the CICC to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG). Authorities warn that creators promoting illegal, unlicensed platforms face serious charges, including syndicate estafa and tax evasion.