Meta Removes Influencer Pages Over Illegal Gambling Promotions

Manila – July 21, 2025
Social media giant Meta has taken down the Facebook pages of several high-profile Filipino influencers—including Boy Tapang, Sachzna Laparan, Kuya Lex TV, and Mark Anthony Fernandez—for allegedly promoting illegal online gambling sites, according to a report by Digital Pinoys via Joash Malimban of bnc.ph.

The takedown follows a formal request from the Cyberc
rime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), which received flagged content from Digital Pinoys. The advocacy group’s national campaigner, Ronald Gustilo, said the move sends a strong message: “These influencers act as if they’re untouchable. This proves we’re serious, and more will follow.”

Among those affected:

Sachzna Laparan – 9.7 million followers
Boy Tapang – 5.5 million followers
Mark Anthony Fernandez – 242,000 followers
Kuya Lex TV – 100,000 followers

Meta has yet to release an official statement, but the action aligns with its ongoing efforts to curb illegal activity on its platforms. The CICC and Digital Pinoys emphasized that this is only the first wave of takedowns, with more expected in the coming weeks.

The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over the rise of online gambling content, which violates Philippine law and targets vulnerable audiences. Lawmakers and digital watchdogs have called for stricter enforcement and clearer platform accountability.

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