MANILA — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday issued a memorandum that banned all its personnel, as well as local government officials, from accessing or engaging in any form of online gambling.
DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-082, which “takes effect immediately,” covers all DILG personnel, including employees of its attached agencies, elected officials of all local government units (LGUs), and local government employees.
The DILG cited in the memorandum that it has received reports that many government officials and employees are engaged in online gambling activities that “adversely affect the integrity and credibility of government service.”
Conduct prejudicial
Citing Memorandum Circular No. 06, series of 2016, issued by the Office of the President, the DILG said the “mere entry or presence of government officials and employees in gambling casinos shall be considered as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, unless such presence is in the performance of official duties and functions.”
It noted, however, that the original purpose of the President’s memorandum “has been undermined by the proliferation and accessibility of online gambling platforms, which now pose a similar, if not greater, threat to the ethical standards expected of public officials and employees.”
“Public office is a public trust. Engaging in online gambling undermines the credibility of our institutions and diverts public servants from their sworn duty to serve with integrity, competence, and loyalty,” the DILG said.
It warned that violators will be charged with administrative and/or criminal cases “under pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.”
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has urged the government to “declare all forms of online gambling illegal,” describing it as “a deep and widespread moral crisis” affecting the country.
A bill filed recently by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, on the other hand, seeks to impose stricter regulations against e-gambling, citing its adverse effects on many families.
‘Conclave’ eyed
On his way home to the Philippines following his state visit to India, President Marcos said earlier this week that he would convene a “conclave” to look for ways to address the issue while pointing out that an outright ban was not always the immediate solution.
According to Marcos, he will consult the Church, educators, parents, the Philippine National Police, and addiction experts, among other stakeholders, to come up with a policy on online gambling.
Malacañang also said on Tuesday that the President would not be rushed into deciding the fate of online gambling and would give due consideration to stakeholders’ suggestions.
At a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive study and consultations with all affected parties before carrying out any significant policy changes.
Castro also acknowledged the urgency of the matter amid ongoing budget preparations for 2026, considering the country’s heavy reliance on e-gaming revenues to fund vital social programs.
Online gambling has become the gaming industry’s “top revenue driver,” contributing P51 billion in the first three months of the year alone, just below the P58 billion generated by the whole sector for 2023. (Faith Argosino © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
