Online gambling prohibition enforced on Filipino government staff
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of the Philippines has imposed a ban on online gambling for its officials and employees, as well as those in local government units (LGUs) across the country[1][2]. This policy, which was enacted through Memorandum Circular No. 2025-082 in August 2025, aims to uphold the integrity and credibility of public service[1][2].
The DILG's decision to prohibit online gambling stems from concerns over increasing reports that public officials have been actively involved in such activities. Such behavior, according to DILG Secretary Remulla, can erode public trust and diminish the credibility of government institutions[1][2].
The policy reflects a broader government shift to integrate traditional ethical standards with modern digital realities. The ban extends previous prohibitions under 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. However, the rise of digital gambling alternatives has subverted the intent of the 2016 circular, leading to the expansion of the ban[1][2].
The implementation of the policy relies on internal compliance mechanisms and disciplinary bodies within the DILG and its associated units. Violators will face administrative and/or criminal sanctions according to applicable laws and regulations[1][2].
It's worth noting that this ban is part of a growing trend among Philippine government agencies to reinforce professionalism and public accountability. However, an outright ban on online gambling is unlikely, according to most analysis, though the government continues to assess potential changes[3].
Multiple ongoing debates focus on the benefits and hazards of maintaining online gambling operations. These discussions involve various stakeholders, including the Church, educators, police, and addiction experts, as the government seeks to balance regulation with its reliance on gaming revenue for social programs[4].
[1] Rappler. (2025, August 1). DILG bans online gambling for its officials, employees. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/267810-dilg-bans-online-gambling-officials-employees
[2] Manila Bulletin. (2025, August 2). DILG bans online gambling for officials, employees. Manila Bulletin. https://manilabulletin.com/2025/08/02/dilg-bans-online-gambling-for-officials-employees/
[3] ABS-CBN News. (2025, August 3). DILG ban on online gambling for officials, employees sparks debate. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/08/03/25/dilg-ban-on-online-gambling-for-officials-employees-sparks-debate
[4] GMA News Online. (2025, August 4). DILG ban on online gambling for officials, employees met with mixed reactions. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/779815/dilg-ban-on-online-gambling-for-officials-employees-met-with-mixed-reactions/story/
- The decision to impose a ban on online gambling by the Philippines' Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is a part of the general news, and it is also related to policy-and-legislation in the country's politics.
- DILG's move to prohibit online gambling for officials and employees, as well as those in local government units (LGUs), is motivated by concerns about compliance and the potential impact on the credibility of public service.
- The rise of digital gambling platforms has prompted discussions and debates among various stakeholders, including the Church, educators, police, and addiction experts, regarding the benefits and risks of maintaining online gambling operations in the context of regulation and crime-and-justice.
- In the event of a violation of the DILG's online gambling ban, violators could face administrative and/or criminal sanctions according to applicable laws and regulations, highlighting the importance of compliance with the policy.
