The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a memorandum circular, prohibiting its personnel, employees of attached agencies, and all elected and appointed local government officials from accessing online gambling platforms or engaging in any form of online gambling.
The directive—in line with the 1987 Constitution, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for public officials, and existing presidential issuances—extends the existing prohibition on casino gambling to include online platforms.
“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,” the four-page DILG circular said.
The department noted that online gambling poses an equal, if not greater, threat to the integrity of public service.
Violators will face administrative and/or criminal sanctions under pertinent laws, rules, and regulations, according to the DILG. The order takes effect immediately.
