Civil Service Commission Must Ban Online Gambling
Government officials and employees face a growing risk as online gambling platforms become more accessible. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has urged the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to issue a definitive policy against online gambling, particularly targeting government workers. He emphasized that the government can take decisive action to stop this trend.
“Our government can put a stop to online gambling among the ranks of its employees through the CSC. We call on the CSC to issue a clear-cut ban on online gambling among civil servants, particularly officials and employees of the government,” Villanueva said. He stressed the need for updated policies to reflect the realities of the digital age, where online gambling is easier to access than ever before.
Updating Policies to Reflect Online Threats
The government already enforces bans on casino gambling among officials and employees through various executive orders. This ban extends to members of the military, police, and other uniformed services, prohibiting their presence in casinos and gambling venues. Villanueva argues it is time to extend this prohibition to include online gambling, especially during official working hours.
“Given the changes in the gambling landscape, the CSC should consider coming up with changes to its policy that are appropriate to our situation today with the online gambling platforms easier for workers in government to access,” he added.
Call for Clear and Strict Guidelines
Villanueva appealed for the CSC to act swiftly and implement clear and strict guidelines against online gambling among government officials and employees. He warned against waiting until addiction becomes widespread, highlighting the ease of placing bets through online platforms.
Before the close of the 19th Congress, several senators had already called for a nationwide ban on online gambling, citing its harmful effects on Filipinos, including the youth. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to address the issue publicly during his State of the Nation Address. However, palace sources say the president is closely monitoring the growing addiction problem linked to online gambling.
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