GAB Passes Resolution Exempting Foreign Esports Players from Mandatory Drug Testing

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — May 19, 2026 — Officials from the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) made a courtesy visit today to Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera to discuss the implementation of GAB Resolution No. 2026-13, a policy designed to boost the local esports industry.

The recently passed Resolution exempts foreign professional esports players from mandatory drug testing as a requirement for the issuance of a professional GAB license, replacing it with a Special Esports License (SEL) valid for the duration of a specific tournament (not exceeding 30 days). This policy seeks to address the decline in international esports events hosted in the country since 2017, while streamlining procedures and providing greater ease of access for foreign esports professionals seeking to compete in the Philippines.

A Vibrant Outlook for Philippine Esports

With the easing of these restrictions, both GAB and PESO project a significant resurgence in local esports activities. The Resolution is anticipated to open the doors to more thrilling esports competitions, attracting global and regional organizers while providing exciting esports opportunities for local gaming communities to showcase their skills on home soil. This renewed interest is poised to generate local employment and stimulate sports tourism in the country.

During the meeting, PESO officials commended the GAB leadership for the progressive regulatory adjustment, noting that the Resolution aligns the Philippines with international standards and eliminates unnecessary red-tape for global tournament organizers.

GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera emphasized the Board's dual mandate of regulation and development:

“We look at this (Esports) as a private sector-driven enterprise. So, the government would interfere the least. Thanks to PESO, we were able to apply some sort of an imaginative approach to our situation. And hopefully, with this move, we could place the Philippines once again in the world map of esports hosting. That’s our approach,” said the GAB Chairman”

PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo highlighted the immediate positive impact the Resolution will have on bringing world-class competitions back to the country:

"This Resolution is a crucial step forward for Philippine esports. For years, the mandatory drug testing requirement served as a significant logistical hurdle for international organizers and players who are only in the country for short-term tournaments. With this policy update, we are positioned to bring major, top-tier global esports events back to our shores, boosting tourism and giving our local athletes the chance to compete on home soil."

PESO President Brian Lim expressed optimism about the future of the industry and thanked the GAB for its collaborative approach:

"We are grateful to Chairman Rivera and the entire Board for listening to the concerns of the esports community. This milestone policy signals to international game publishers and event organizers that the Philippines is ready to reclaim its status as a premier destination for global gaming events. We look forward to working closely with GAB to ensure the successful implementation of this Resolution."

Under the new guidelines, foreign esports players can secure the Special Esports License (SEL) by presenting an endorsement from the GAB-sanctioned tournament organizer and paying the regular license fees, bypassing the mandatory drug test previously required of all professional license applicants.