BM Donaal’s anti-gambling ordinance moves to implementation; violators to face fines, permit loss

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — An ordinance authored by Board Member Atty. Christopher D. Donaal seeking to ban gambling in amusement parks or “peryahan” and protect young people from gambling-related harm is now moving toward implementation in Kalinga.

Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-002, titled “Institutionalizing Safeguards Against Gambling and Youth Exploitation in Peryahan Operations in the Province of Kalinga,” was enacted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Kalinga, headed by Vice Governor Atty. Dave Odiem, during its regular session on January 20, 2026.

Governor James S. Edduba subsequently approved the ordinance for enactment.

The ordinance will take effect 15 days after its posting and/or publication in at least three public places within Kalinga, in accordance with its provisions.

The required posting or publication period is intended to give peryahan operators, local government units, barangay officials, and the public time to familiarize themselves with the new rules before enforcement begins.

Why Donaal crafted the ordinance

Donaal said he crafted the measure following concerns raised by police, barangay officials, and civil society groups regarding gambling activities associated with some peryahan operations in the province.

“Inmasedeg dagiti concerned officials ken citizens, di last year pay, nga nagkaproblema. Nginnamto ti data ti police metlang ditoy Kalinga, ken sigun kadakuada, nginmato ti crimes, ket maysa nga makita da nga maysa a gapuanna ket dagitoy kakailyan, karu dagitoy agtutubo nga nalulong ti sugal. Understandably, ti purpose met koma ti peryahan ket kasla lugar ti pamilya, recreation para kadagiti youth ken pagraragsakan ti pamilya. Unfortunately, naconfirm tayo met nga adda dagiti activities nga mabalin nga maibilang a gambling,” Donaal relayed.

The ordinance's preamble states that reports from the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, barangay officials, and civil society organizations have linked peryahan-based gambling to incidents of robbery, physical injuries, domestic violence, and financial exploitation, particularly during peak operating periods.

While recognizing the recreational and family-oriented value of peryahan, the provincial government said safeguards are necessary to protect young people and maintain peace and order in communities.

“The Provincial Government of Kalinga recognizes the cultural and recreational value of peryahan but asserts the need to institutionalize safeguards that uphold public morality, youth protection, and community peace,” the ordinance states.

Gambling prohibited in all forms

Under Section 4 of the ordinance, “No gambling in any form, whether direct or disguised as amusement-shall be allowed within peryahan premises.”

The prohibition covers gambling advertisements, promotions, and paraphernalia.

Donaal earlier explained that the ordinance does not seek to create a separate national gambling regulation but instead strengthens local safeguards within the province.

“Regulated daytoy ti national law, ilocalize tayo laeng. What the provincial government wants to do is to protect dagitoy agtutubo nga malulong ken masurwan da agsugal,” he said.

New requirements for peryahan operators

Aside from prohibiting gambling, the ordinance requires operators to comply with several conditions before they can operate.

Operators must secure a permit from the concerned local government unit (LGU) and submit a site inspection clearance, barangay resolution affirming concurrence, and a youth protection and safety plan.

They must also designate safety officers and/or youth marshals, commit in writing to the anti-gambling policy, consult stakeholders such as parents, faith-based groups, and civil society organizations, and orient their workers on child protection and anti-gambling policies.

Stronger safeguards for minors

The ordinance requires operators to put specific measures in place to protect minors.

Section 6 requires clear signage on age restrictions and the anti-gambling ordinance, CCTV cameras in strategic areas, and designated safe zones for youth managed by trained marshals.

Operators must also establish reporting hotlines and rapid-response mechanisms for child protection concerns.

They are required to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or accredited non-government organizations (NGOs) for youth awareness campaigns.

One provision specifically directs operators to “immediately remove children from any gambling areas.”

Operators must also submit post-operation reports detailing compliance and incidents, particularly those involving youth.

Violators face escalating penalties

The ordinance imposes escalating penalties for violations.

A first offense carries a P3,000 fine and a 15-day suspension of the permit.

A second offense carries a P5,000 fine and revocation of the permit to operate.

A third offense results in permanent blacklisting from future peryahan operations within Kalinga.

Organizers found to have willfully exploited minors or repeatedly violated the ordinance may also face criminal prosecution under applicable laws.

Multi-sectoral monitoring

To strengthen enforcement, the ordinance provides for the creation of a Multi-Sectoral Monitoring Board to monitor compliance and recommend policy improvements.

Each municipality and city is also required to conduct at least one public consultation every year to assess the ordinance's impact, with participation from youth groups, Indigenous Peoples leaders, faith-based organizations, and civil society.

With the required public posting and publication process underway, the ordinance is moving toward effectivity. Once effective, concerned LGUs and authorities will be expected to enforce its provisions.

Copies of the ordinance have been published on the official Facebook page of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga. https://www.facebook.com/spkalinga

The public is encouraged to read, understand, and observe the provisions of the ordinance.