NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DILG Expands Gambling Ban On Officials, Personnel To Include Online Platforms
FILE
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has strengthened its stance against gambling by issuing Memorandum Circular 2025-082, a directive that strictly prohibits all DILG personnel, employees of attached agencies, and both elected and appointed local government officials from engaging in online gambling.
This move expands the long-standing prohibition on casino gambling—rooted in the 1987 Constitution, Republic Act No. 6713, and various presidential issuances—to cover the growing realm of online platforms. According to the DILG, online gambling poses an equal, if not greater, risk to the integrity and focus required in 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,” the circular emphasizes.
The prohibition applies not only to playing on online gambling sites but also to any form of participation in such platforms. Those caught violating the directive face administrative and/or criminal sanctions under applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
By extending the ban to the digital space, the DILG seeks to preserve public confidence in government institutions and ensure that officials remain focused on their duties. The order takes effect immediately.
This move expands the long-standing prohibition on casino gambling—rooted in the 1987 Constitution, Republic Act No. 6713, and various presidential issuances—to cover the growing realm of online platforms. According to the DILG, online gambling poses an equal, if not greater, risk to the integrity and focus required in 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,” the circular emphasizes.
The prohibition applies not only to playing on online gambling sites but also to any form of participation in such platforms. Those caught violating the directive face administrative and/or criminal sanctions under applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
By extending the ban to the digital space, the DILG seeks to preserve public confidence in government institutions and ensure that officials remain focused on their duties. The order takes effect immediately.
Aug 13, 2025
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