Government Employees and Online Gambling Under Scrutiny
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is set to recommend legislation regulating government employees and online gambling activities. This move aims to establish clear guidelines on how government workers should conduct themselves concerning all forms of gambling, including online platforms.
CSC Commissioner Marilyn Yap revealed these plans during a recent budget hearing, emphasizing the need to uphold efficiency and public trust by setting conduct standards. “What I initially said in our policy studies is that every government agency has the power to issue guidelines and rules of conduct that will enable them to maintain a degree of efficiency and good conduct in their respective offices, which will not contribute to the erosion of public trust in the agency,” Yap stated.
Existing Policies and Proposed Legal Measures
The CSC is considering proposing a law based on their ongoing studies to govern the involvement of government employees in any gambling activities. Yap highlighted the Office of the President’s Memorandum Circular No. 06, series of 2016, which prohibits government officials and employees from entering gambling casinos unless performing official duties. Presence in such establishments without valid reason may be considered “conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.”
DILG and BSP Take Firm Stance Against Online Gambling
Following these developments, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a memorandum circular on August 12, banning all personnel and local government unit (LGU) officials from engaging in any form of online gambling. This directive applies to all agency staff, including attached agencies and elected LGU employees.
Additionally, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) ordered e-wallet providers on August 15 to remove links to online gambling sites within two days. BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan explained in a Senate hearing that this directive covers e-wallets, banks with payment apps, and other supervised entities, targeting in-app features promoting access to gambling platforms.
Legislative Efforts to Curb Online Gambling
In July, two senators introduced bills addressing the regulation of online gambling nationwide. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri proposed the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, advocating for a comprehensive ban on all online gambling forms. He described online gambling as a “silent epidemic” harming Filipinos, especially minors and vulnerable groups.
Zubiri’s bill aims to prohibit digital betting platforms, mobile applications, and websites that enable betting through various devices. Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian filed a separate bill seeking stricter regulation rather than an outright ban. His proposal includes banning gambling sponsorships of public events and political campaign donations, as well as allocating regulatory fees to fund rehabilitation centers for gambling addiction.
Strengthening Policies for a Responsible Workforce
These combined efforts by the CSC, DILG, BSP, and legislators underscore a growing push to protect government integrity and public welfare against the risks posed by gambling. Officials reported that these measures intend to maintain workplace discipline and prevent activities that could undermine public trust.
Community members noted that as online gambling becomes more accessible, clear rules and enforcement are critical to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure government employees uphold ethical standards.
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