DILG prohibits Iloilo prov’l capitol employees from online gambling; Violators face penalties, raps

ILOILO – Provincial Capitol employees here have been warned: stay away from online gambling platforms or face stiff sanctions.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), through a memorandum circular dated August 12, 2025, has prohibited all local government unit (LGU) officials and employees — from the provincial level down to the barangays — from accessing or engaging in any form of online gambling.

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla stressed that gambling compromises the integrity of public servants and weakens public confidence in government.

“Involvement in online gambling not only compromises personal integrity but also has the potential to diminish public trust in government institutions,” he said.

Remulla added that such activities could create conflicts of interest and “undermine the rule of law within the community.”

The directive, transmitted to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. through DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Carmelo F. Orbista, makes clear that violators will face administrative penalties and possible criminal charges under existing laws on gambling and public service ethics.

To ensure compliance, the provincial government is expected to cascade the directive to all concerned offices and conduct awareness drives on the risks and consequences of online gambling.

The DILG said the ban is part of its broader effort to instill accountability and strengthen ethical standards across all levels of local governance./PN