Senate Leader Hails DILG's Move to Prohibit Online Gambling Among Officials

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has welcomed the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) directive to prohibit its personnel and local government officials from engaging in online gambling, describing it as a step in the right direction. The move aims to prevent addiction, financial distress, and compromised decision-making among officials, which could affect governance and the responsible handling of public resources. Villanueva also urged the Civil Service Commission to adopt a similar policy to cover all civil servants nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a memorandum prohibiting its personnel and local government officials from engaging in online gambling.
  • The directive applies to all elected and appointed officials at the barangay, municipal, city, and provincial levels, as well as the DILG's attached agencies, including the Philippine National Police.
  • Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva hailed the move, saying it provides concrete guidelines for local government officials and sets a strong example for other agencies to follow.
  • Villanueva emphasized that public officials must uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior and that online gambling poses risks of addiction, financial distress, and compromised decision-making.
  • Villanueva urged the Civil Service Commission to adopt a similar policy to cover all civil servants nationwide to reinforce efforts to shield government personnel from the lure of gambling.

Statistics:

  • The directive applies to local government officials at all levels, including barangay, municipal, city, and provincial officials.
  • The Philippine National Police and the DILG's attached agencies are also covered by the prohibition on online gambling.
  • Villanueva expressed confidence that a similar policy adopted by the Civil Service Commission would reinforce efforts to shield government personnel from the lure of gambling.

Sources:

  • "DILG bars personnel from online gaming", Manila, August 6, 2023
  • Philippines News Agency
  • Senate of the Philippines