Gambling company's Sinulog sponsorship faces scrutiny

The inclusion of an online gambling company as one of the major sponsors of Sinulog 2026 has prompted questions of appropriateness, especially after the Cebu City Council unanimously approved a resolution last December banning gambling advertisements within the city.

- Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/RAE

This is not the first time that an online gambling company has been involved in sponsoring the Sinulog. But the issue has now resurfaced following the Council's resolution, which explicitly prohibits gambling advertisements across physical and digital platforms, including sponsored events.

Aside from the online gambling operator, this year's list of sponsors also includes a casino and two alcoholic brands, raising further questions about whether such partnerships reflect the festival's spiritual and cultural essence.

Councilor Jun Alcover had publicly asked Mayor Nestor Archival to address this matter after it was brought to his attention by a concerned citizen.