League of Cities of the Philippines and Metro Manila Council Support Ban on Online Gambling for Local Government Personnel

Strategic Insights -

The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) are backing the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) directive to bar local government personnel from online gambling. The ban, implemented through DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-082, aims to prevent government officials and employees from engaging in online gambling activities, as cited in reports. LCP and MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora emphasized the importance of public servants setting a good example for citizens, stating that online and physical gambling can "destroy lives and destroy families."

Key Takeaways:

  • The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) are supporting the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) ban on online gambling for local government personnel.
  • The LCP is composed of 149 city mayors across the country, while the MMC consists of 16 city mayors and one municipality in Metro Manila.
  • The DILG memorandum circular applies to all department personnel, including employees of attached agencies and local governments, as well as elected local officials.
  • LCP President Francis Zamora stated that defying the ban can result in administrative or criminal charges.
  • LCP and MMC are awaiting specific implementing rules and regulations from the DILG.
  • The ban was implemented through DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-082.
  • Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, was cited as the basis for the DILG's directive.
  • South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. also expressed support for the ban, stating that it simply reiterated existing guidelines.

Statistics:

  • 149 cities across the Philippines are part of the League of Cities of the Philippines.
  • 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila are part of the Metro Manila Council.
  • 2025-082 is the number assigned to the DILG Memorandum Circular imposing the ban on online gambling for local government personnel.

Sources:

  • DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-082
  • DZMM interview with LCP and MMC President Francis Zamora
  • DZMM interview with LPP President Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.