Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said he is “very supportive” of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directive prohibiting its personnel as well as local government officials and employees from engaging in online gambling.
The order is just an expansion of the existing prohibition banning government officials and employees from going to casinos and areas where there is gambling, Gasataya said on Wednesday, August 13.
Memorandum Circular 2025-082 issued on Tuesday prohibits all DILG personnel, employees of its attached agencies, and all elected and appointed local government officials from accessing online gambling platforms or engaging in any form of online gambling.
The DILG said the directive was issued in line with the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The directive and existing presidential issuances extend the existing prohibition on casino gambling to include online platforms, which the Department says pose “an equal — if not greater — threat” to the integrity of public service.
“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,” read the circular.
Violators will face administrative and/or criminal sanctions under pertinent laws, rules, and regulations. The order takes effect immediately.* with a report from PNA