Xian Gaza rallied behind Ivana Alawi amid online gambling issue
Self-proclaimed “Pambansang Marites” Xian Gaza boldly challenged Kamanggagawa Party-list Rep. Eli San Fernando after the latter publicly called out Kapamilya actress Ivana Alawi.
The issue was prompted by the ongoing issue regarding celebrities and content creators promoting online gambling on social media, where many young people are exposed to such content.
Xian fired back at San Fernando after Ivana’s name was mentioned during the House of Representatives hearing on the proposed 2027 budget for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
During the said budget hearing, San Fernando criticized PAGCOR for its alleged failure to enforce regulations against vloggers and influencers who violate policies regarding the promotion of online gambling.
To recall, Ivana Alawi gave away 100 iPhone units to her subscribers, but in order to qualify, they had to follow the page of the online gaming company that she is endorsing. PAGCOR imposed a P1 million fine on the online gambling company for having no permit to conduct that kind of promotion.
Following the issue, Ivana shared a striking statement, stressing that Filipinos should be reminded of more important issues, like the anomalous flood control projects, rather than focusing on other less important matters.
San Fernando accused Ivana of attacking him through other vloggers. The lawmaker stressed that his social media page has not been monetized since 2024, stressing his
point that he is not after monetary gain. However, Ivana received support from Xian amid the issue, as the latter fired back at the congressman.
In a Facebook video that Xian shared, he stressed that if the congressman really worries about the welfare of “manggagawa,” he should have made a move to make all forms of gambling illegal.
“Bakit hindi mo pinapanukala sa Kongreso na magpasa ng batas na gawing illegal lahat ng online casino sa buong bansa? Instead, ang pinag-iinitan mo at pinupuntirya mo ay yung mga influencers na nagpo-promote directly and indirectly ng online casino, just like Ivana Alawi. Bakit hindi mo puntiryahin yung taas?” the controversial social media personality said.
Xian Gaza also pointed out that influencers like Ivana Alawi wouldn’t be promoting gambling or online casinos if, first and foremost, it were illegal.
For him, San Fernando is just afraid of going against extremely powerful figures behind this industry, and that the congressman just picks on influencers like Ivana. Xian added that this seems like a bluff and is just all for show, since the congressman is not actually taking any action to protect Filipino workers from gambling.
“Ginagamit mo lang ‘yung camera at ginagamit mo yung kasikatan ng isang (vlogger na may) 53 million followers, number 1 most followed Filipino on social media. Kapag naki-ride ka sa kasikatan niya ‘yung milyun-milyong Filipino na ayaw sa online casino bibilib sa ‘yo mahahatak mo. For the show lang siya kasi meron kang bigger plans sa 2028,” Xian stressed.