TARLAKENYO (August 12, 2025) — No more ‘scatter’ for government employees, officials.
This directive was issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which prohibited all government officials and employees from accessing online gambling platforms or engaging in any form of online gambling.
The policy, outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 2025-082, aims to uphold ethical standards and protect the integrity of public service.
The circular cites reports of government personnel participating in online gambling, which undermines the intent of previous prohibitions, such as Memorandum Circular No. 06 (2016), which barred officials from entering physical casinos.
The DILG emphasized that such activities tarnish the image of public service and violate legal and constitutional mandates, including the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees).
Covered by the ban are elected and appointed officials at all levels of local government, DILG personnel, and employees of attached agencies like the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and National Police Commission. The prohibition excludes only gambling platforms regulated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Violators will face administrative and criminal penalties, including suspension or dismissal, as stipulated under the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.
