DILG says online gambling diverts officials from sworn duty
ALL elected and appointed local government officials have been barred from engaging in any form of online gambling, even as Malacañang prepares to hold “conclave” -style consultations with stakeholders before deciding on the future of state-sanctioned e-gaming in the country.
Yesterday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Memorandum Circular 2025-082, which, aside from local officials, also prohibits all DILG personnel and employees of its attached agencies from accessing online gambling platforms.
The circular was signed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla and took effect immediately.
“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 circular states.
“Any person found violating this Memorandum Circular shall be held administratively and/or criminally liable in accordance with pertinent laws, rules, and regulations,” the document also states.
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Marcos has yet to set a date for consultations with stakeholders on the government’s online gambling policy.
She admitted that there is some apprehension about how a total ban on online gambling would affect the government’s coffers.
The Palace spokesperson said the chief executive wants to schedule the consultations “as soon as possible” because the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is already finalizing the National Expenditure Program (NEP).
“He will still schedule meetings with all concerned parties so that a thorough study on online gaming can be conducted,” Castro noted.
Earlier, Mr. Marcos pointed out that a total ban on online gaming could have negative effects, noting that social programs rely heavily on e-gaming revenues.
However, Castro stressed that the President remains open to all options.
For its part, the Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) party-list group lauded the DILG’s order prohibiting officials and employees of local government units from participating in online gambling.
“This is a welcome move by the DILG as it sends a strong message that public servants must uphold the highest standards of integrity and moral responsibility,” the group’s nominee in the House of Representatives, Rep. Eddie Villanueva, said in a statement.
Rep. Villanueva’s son, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, likewise hailed the DILG’s move, calling it a step in the right direction.
“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,” the younger Villanueva said.
