In a sweeping move that’s sending shockwaves across the Philippine digital landscape, Facebook parent company Meta has taken down the pages of 20 Filipino influencers allegedly involved in promoting illegal online gambling. This bold action, carried out on the evening of July 21, 2025, is part of a growing campaign to clean up online spaces and hold social media personalities accountable for illegal content.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), in collaboration with Digital Pinoys—a digital advocacy group—was behind the formal request submitted to Meta, prompting the takedown. And the scale of this operation is no small matter: the affected pages had a combined reach of over 15 million followers.

Among the most prominent names removed were Sachzna Laparan, who had amassed 9.7 million followers; Boy Tapang, with 5.5 million; veteran actor Mark Anthony Fernandez, with 242,000; and Kuya Lex TV, who had built a loyal following of 100,000. The sudden disappearance of their Facebook presence has left fans in shock and raised serious questions about the boundaries of influence and legality in the digital age.

Ronald Gustilo, National Campaigner for Digital Pinoys, emphasized that this takedown is a clear warning to others. He pointed out that many influencers operate with a sense of impunity, assuming that follower count shields them from accountability. Gustilo warned that this is just the beginning. “These influencers act as if they’re untouchable,” he said. “This move proves we’re serious—and more will follow.”

The operation underscores a crucial point: the collaboration between public and private entities is getting stronger. The CICC, a government agency under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), is responsible for coordinating the country’s cybersecurity strategy. Meanwhile, Digital Pinoys plays the role of watchdog, scanning for online content that may breach Philippine laws and ethical standards.

While Meta has not released an official statement specific to this takedown, the company has consistently maintained its commitment to removing content that violates its community standards. Illegal online gambling is one such category that platforms like Facebook take very seriously, especially in regions like the Philippines, where regulation is intensifying.

Promoting unlicensed or illegal gambling operations online is a violation of multiple Philippine laws, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and existing regulations under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The influencers affected are now facing not only reputational damage but also the potential for legal consequences.

The public response has been divided. Many netizens applauded the government’s proactive stance, praising both CICC and Digital Pinoys for their coordinated efforts to promote digital safety. Others, however, expressed concern about censorship, asking whether all 20 pages had been given due process before being taken down. Regardless of perspective, one thing is clear: the online playing field is changing.

What makes this takedown especially significant is its message to other influencers and content creators. With digital reach comes responsibility. Promoting illegal activities—knowingly or unknowingly—can result in serious consequences, even for those with millions of followers. The days of hiding behind internet fame are quickly coming to an end.

This case also spotlights the increasing role of civic groups in influencing digital policy enforcement. Digital Pinoys, for instance, is not a government entity, but it has become a key player in advocating for digital accountability. By working directly with law enforcement and regulatory bodies, the group has helped bridge the gap between civil society and formal cybercrime enforcement.

Many are now wondering who could be next. If this is the first wave, will there be a second? And how will platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram respond, given that many of the same influencers maintain cross-platform presence?

The crackdown on Facebook influencer pages in the Philippines is a major moment in the country’s ongoing battle against online gambling. It sends a clear signal that digital fame is not a free pass, and that no one—not even the most followed creators—is immune from the reach of the law.

This unfolding situation should serve as a stark reminder for influencers and brands alike: Know the law. Understand what you’re promoting. If it seems too good to be true, or if it involves money transfers and sketchy platforms, it’s probably illegal. Influencers who fail to do their due diligence risk not only losing their platform but also facing criminal prosecution.

The CICC and Digital Pinoys have both confirmed that this action is part of a long-term strategy to eradicate illegal online gambling promotions from social media. They plan to continue monitoring, flagging, and escalating cases to Meta and other platforms as needed. This proactive approach is expected to widen in scope, possibly affecting advertisers, gaming app developers, and even payment platforms linked to illegal betting sites.

As the dust settles, content creators across the Philippines are being advised to revisit their partnerships, scrutinize sponsored posts, and ensure they are not unknowingly breaching digital laws. Ignorance, as the old saying goes, is no excuse—and in the era of algorithmic visibility and instant virality, the cost of a single misstep can be permanent deplatforming.

In the ever-evolving digital world, one thing is certain: accountability is now part of the influencer equation. And for those still pushing the boundaries, the clock may already be ticking.

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