Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday issued a directive prohibiting its personnel as well as local government officials and employees from engaging in online gambling. Memorandum Circular 2025-082 prohibits all DILG personnel, employees of its attached agencies, and all elected and appointed local government officials from accessing online gambling platforms or engaging in any form of online gambling. The DILG said the directive was issued in line with the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
According to Philippines News Agency, the directive and existing presidential issuances extend the existing prohibition on casino gambling to include online platforms, which the Department says pose “an equal – if not greater – threat” to the integrity of public service. ‘Public office is a public trust. Engaging in online gambling undermines the credibility of our institutions and diverts public servants from their sworn duty to serve with integrity, competence, and loyalty,’ read the circular. Violators will face administrative and/or criminal sanctions under pertinent laws, rules, and regulations. The order takes effect immediately.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva hailed the DILG’s move as a step in the right direction. Villanueva thanked Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla for promptly acting on his call for a clear and explicit prohibition, saying the directive fills a long-standing gap in regulating the conduct of public officials. ‘This is a step in the right direction as it provides concrete guidelines for all levels of local government,’ Villanueva said. ‘By taking a firm stand against online gambling, the DILG is protecting the integrity of public service and setting a strong example for other agencies to follow.’
He said public officials must uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior, noting that online gambling poses risks of addiction, financial distress, and compromised decision-making — issues that could directly affect governance and the responsible handling of public resources. Villanueva urged the Civil Service Commission to adopt a similar policy to cover all civil servants nationwide, expressing confidence that such a move would reinforce efforts to shield government personnel from the lure of gambling. ‘We trust that the commission would respond favorably to our call to prevent this menace of online gambling from harming our people, especially all officials and workers in government,’ he added.
