Online conduct of Philippine government workers restricted, with online gambling expressly forbidden
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of the Philippines has taken a significant step in upholding ethical conduct and public trust by issuing a memorandum that prohibits all officials and employees, including those in local government units (LGUs), from accessing or engaging in any form of online gambling. This directive, formalized in Memorandum Circular No. 2025-082, aims to close a regulatory gap created by the proliferation of mobile and online gambling access.
Signed by DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, the memorandum covers over 61,000 personnel across the department’s central, field, and attached agencies, as well as elected and appointed officials at all levels from provincial down to barangay. The move reflects a broader government shift to synthesize traditional ethical standards with modern digital realities.
Remulla believes that this practice compromises the government's ethical foundation, eroding public trust and diminishing the credibility of government institutions. He emphasises that online participation in gambling activities mirrors those banned under existing prohibitions, such as the Office of the President’s Memorandum Circular No. 06 (2016), which barred government officials and employees from entering or being present in physical casinos.
Violators of this rule may face administrative and/or criminal charges under applicable laws and regulations. The policy's implementation places the onus on internal compliance mechanisms and disciplinary bodies within the DILG and its associated units.
The DILG's stance juxtaposes technological convenience with the need for ethical governance, highlighting tensions between modern digital habits and the expectations of public service. This policy is part of a growing trend among Philippine government agencies to eschew gambling-related activities as part of a wider campaign to reinforce professionalism and public accountability in government.
However, an outright ban on online gambling is unlikely, as government continues to assess potential changes. Ongoing debates centre on the benefits and hazards of maintaining online gambling operations. Discussions are ongoing at the highest levels, including President Marcos’s intention to convene a "conclave" involving various stakeholders to address the broader issue of online gambling policy, though the outright ban on DILG and LGU officials remains in effect as of August 2025.
In summary, under current policy, all DILG officials and employees, including those in LGUs, are banned from participating in online gambling activities.
| Aspect | Details | |------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | Governing memorandum | DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-082 | | Coverage | All DILG personnel, attached agencies, and LGU officials | | Prohibited activity | Accessing or engaging in any form of online gambling | | Sanctions for violation | Administrative and/or criminal charges | | Rationale | Maintains government integrity, ethical conduct, public trust | | Related past policy | Office of the President’s Memorandum Circular No. 06 (2016) banning casino presence | | Current discussions | Presidential “conclave” planned for broader online gambling policy considerations |
[1] https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/dilg-issues-memorandum-prohibiting-online-gambling-for-all-dilg-employees-and-lgu-officials/ [3] https://www.rappler.com/nation/746534-dilg-bans-online-gambling-for-officials-employees [5] https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/08/15/2191062/marcos-eyes-conclave-online-gambling-policy-discussions
