Manila, July 31 -- Gambling advertisements, celebrity endorsements and sponsorships would be driven out of mainstream and digital media under a bill filed by Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero to curb compulsive betting and shield minors from aggressive promotions.

Escudero on Friday said Senate Bill No. 2347 would place nationwide restrictions on gambling-related consumer communications, including those aired on television and radio or distributed through print, websites, mobile applications and social media.

"It's about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago," Escudero said, citing the advertising restrictions imposed under the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

The proposed Gambling Adve...