League of Cities backs ban on online gambling for state workers
The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) expressed its support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) decision to implement a ban on online gambling for its personnel and all local government employees in the country.
Newly installed LCP National President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora made the statement on Wednesday, Aug. 13, saying that the ban is crucial in exacting the highest form of integrity and credibility expected from our officials.
“The League of Cities of the Philippines strongly supports the ban on online gambling for all personnel of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the elected and appointed provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials and employees," Zamora said.
“The DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-082 is instructive, and we, the 149 members of the League of Cities of the Philippines, endeavor to disseminate it to our members and conduct dialogues to ensure its implementation. We, as public servants, are expected to set good examples for our constituents and should strive to make our communities safe and orderly. Accessing online gambling platforms or engaging in any form of online gambling diverts our attention from effective and genuine public service," he added.
The mayor also called on the public to report any local officials or government employees found to violate this directive.
“The League of Cities will not tolerate acts that could undermine the sanctity of public service and supports the stringent sanctions articulated in the circular. Let us unite in our efforts for the betterment of our nation, upholding the principles of good governance, integrity, and transparency. Our constituents deserve nothing less," Zamora, who is also the Metro Manila Council (MMC) president, stressed.
The DILG issued the directive as reports revealed that many government officials and employees have turned to online gambling activities, which adversely affect the delivery of quality 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,” the circular stated.
The agency also called on all public officers and its personnel to be accountable to the people at all times, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.