20 Filipino Influencer Pages Deleted for Promoting E-Gambling
META – The company behind Facebook has removed the pages of 20 popular Filipino influencers for promoting illegal online gambling. This action followed a formal request from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the digital advocacy group Digital Pinoys, as reported on July 21, 2025.
Among those affected are big names like Sachzna Laparan, with 9.7 million followers; Boy Tapang, with 5.5 million; actor Mark Anthony Fernandez, with 242,000; and Kuya Lex TV, with 100,000 followers. These influencers were found using their large online platforms to promote gambling sites that are illegal in the Philippines.
According to Ronald Gustilo of Digital Pinoys, this move sends a clear message that the government and watchdog groups are serious about cracking down on illegal online gambling. He pointed out that many of these influencers acted as if they were untouchable, but the page removals prove that no one is above the law. Gustilo also said this is just the beginning, with more takedowns expected soon.
The CICC’s involvement shows the government’s commitment to protecting Filipinos from online threats. Gustilo thanked Meta for acting quickly to remove the flagged pages and said they hope the rest of the reported accounts will also be taken down in the coming days.
So far, Meta has not released an official statement, but this action aligns with global efforts to stop illegal activities from spreading online.
Gustilo also praised the leadership of the CICC, saying their swift and firm actions are what the country needs. He reminded influencers that promoting illegal activities has consequences and that more violators will soon face similar actions.
Previously, Senator Raffy Tulfo urged celebrities and social media influencers to stop promoting illegal online gambling platforms. “Dapat isipin nila ang epekto sa kanilang followers. Baka sa huli, imbes na matuwa, aalis na sa kanila at ‘di na magpa-follow. Baka sabihin pa, ‘Dahil sa iyo, na-bankrupt ako. Nasira ang buhay ko’,” he said.