The Philippines moved on September 2, 2026 toward a more selective gaming model, because attracting more international tourism to casino resorts while tightening domestic exposure to online gambling. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay confirmed that the Department of Tourism (DOT) is working to extend the 14-day visa-free entry scheme for mainland Chinese nationals to Clark, Bohol, Palawan and Caticlan, which is currently available only through Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
The scheme began on January 16, 2026 under Foreign Service Circular No. 2026-005 and Bureau of Immigration Operations Order No. 2026-001. The expansion still requires inter-agency coordination, but Angara-Mathay expects it to encourage new charter flights from China. The Philippines received 4.11 million foreign visitors between January and August, up 3.7% year-on-year. China contributed 310,088 travelers, up 69.2%, behind the United States, South Korea and Japan.
Clark turns the tourism policy into a decision directly linked to casinos. Licensed properties there generated PHP6.6819 billion in GGR in Q1 2026, within a nationwide market of PHP87.602 billion. Operators include Hann Philippines Inc., led by Dae Sik Han, with Hann Casino Resort; BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp., operator of Midori Clark; and Donggwang Clark Corp., responsible for D’Heights Resort and Casino.
Karen Flores-Garcia
At the same time, Representative Karen Flores-Garcia is pushing House Bill No. 10982, which seeks to ban advertising, promotion, endorsements and sponsorships for online gambling across television, radio, print, billboards, social media, apps, search engines, influencers, sports and events. Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is calling for an even broader advertising ban covering all forms of gambling.
Francis “Chiz” Escudero
The offensive complements measures including Senate Bill No. 109 from Alan Peter Cayetano, SB 30 from Pia Cayetano, SB 57 from Win Gatchalian, and SB 142 from Juan Miguel Zubiri. PAGCOR, chaired by Alejandro H. Tengco, already restricted outdoor gambling advertising from August 2025 and strengthened mandatory promotion of its national problem-gambling helpline in June 2026. The agency reported PHP43.32 billion in revenue in H1 2026, down 26.64%, while eGames, eBingo and bingo grantees fell 41.85% to PHP18.6 billion.
