Mayor's group backs online gambling ban for LGU officials, DILG personnel
By Chito Chavez
The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) is supporting the ban on online gambling for all personnel of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), including elected and appointed officials down to the barangay level.
In a statement, the LCP said the ban is crucial in exacting the highest form of integrity and credibility expected from our officials.
“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,’’ the LCP noted.
As public servants, the LCP said they are expected to set good examples “to our constituents and should strive to make our communities safe and orderly.’’
Further, the LCP lamented that accessing online gambling platforms or engaging in any form of online gambling “diverts our attention from effective and genuine public service.’’
“We encourage our constituents to report any local officials or 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,’’ the LCP stressed.
“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,’’ it added.
Earlier, the DILG issued an order prohibiting all its personnel, employees under the department’s supervision and elected and appointed local government officials nationwide to engage in all forms of online gambling, including accessing online gambling platforms.
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 DILG warned that violators of the directive face administrative and/or criminal sanctions under pertinent laws, rules and regulations.