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Local government

DILG Bans Government Officials from Online Gambling Amid Integrity and Credibility Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a memorandum circular banning all its personnel and officials of local government units (LGUs) nationwide from accessing or engaging in any form of online gambling. This move is in response to reports that many government officials and employees have been engaging in online gambling activities, which the agency believes adversely affect the integrity and credibility of government service. The DILG cited the Office of the President's Memorandum Circular No. 06, series of 2016, which considers mere entry or presence in gambling casinos as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. However, with the proliferation of online gambling platforms, the DILG has deemed the current regulations insufficient and has taken immediate action to ensure public officials and employees uphold the ethical standards expected of them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-082 bans all agency personnel, including employees of its attached agencies and elected LGU officials and local government employees, from engaging in online gambling.
  • The move aims to address reports of government officials and employees engaging in online gambling activities that compromise the integrity and credibility of government service.
  • The ruling references Office of the President's Memorandum Circular No. 06, series of 2016, which considers mere entry or presence in gambling casinos as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
  • The DILG circular emphasizes that public office is a public trust and that engaging in online gambling undermines the credibility of institutions and diverts public servants from their duties.
  • Violators of the order will face administrative and/or criminal sanctions under pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
  • The order takes effect immediately, as stated by the DILG.

Statistics:

  • 100% of DILG personnel, including employees of attached agencies, elected LGU officials, and local government employees, are prohibited from online gambling.
  • The DILG has reported receiving multiple complaints regarding government officials and employees engaging in online gambling activities.
  • 2016 was the year the Office of the President issued Memorandum Circular No. 06, series of 2016.

Sources:

  • DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-082
  • Office of the President's Memorandum Circular No. 06, series of 2016

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