Full gambling ban among civil servants to uphold integrity in government

by Miriam G. Desacada

Tacloban City-The Civil Service Commission has recently issued a resolution upholding the principle that public office is a public trust, new rules now fully prohibit government personnel from engaging in gambling activities, whether in person or online, regardless of location or time.

Under the Resolution No. 2600111 on January 19, 2026, aming to strengthen integrity and safeguard public confidence in government institutions.

Also called the Policy on the Prohibition of Gambling among Government Officials and Employees, it covers all officials and employees of the national government, local government units, autonomous regional governments, state and local universities and colleges, and government-owned or -controlled corporations with original charters, unless otherwise provided by law.

The same resolution, gambling is defined as any game played for money or value where the outcome depends wholly or chiefly on chance, or the use of any mechanical device or contrivance to determine by chance the winner or loser of money.

Prohibited activities

The following prohibited acts:

Entering, staying in, or participating in gambling activities in casinos, gambling houses, or similar establishments—whether land-based or sea-based—within or outside the Philippines, even if such establishments are licensed;
Engaging in online or electronic gambling, including online casinos, e-bingo, e-sabong, and internet-based betting using any device. The promotion or facilitation of these activities is likewise prohibited; and
Participating in any other gambling activity—whether traditional, informal, private, social, cultural, or newly emerging. Organizing or facilitating such activities is also prohibited.
The CSC also clarified that mere presence in gambling venues constitutes a violation, unless the official or employee is performing authorized official duties.

However, activities conducted exclusively for charitable, civic, or public welfare purposes—as well as games not prohibited by law—remain allowed, provided that participation does not create any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest.

Liabilities and reporting

Violations may be reported by officials, employees, clients, or members of the public through the CSC Contact Center ng Bayan or other complaint referral systems. Anonymous reports will be processed in accordance with existing rules.

Under the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, gambling prohibited by law is punishable by reprimand for the first offense, suspension for the second offense, and dismissal from the service for the third offense, without prejudice to the filing of criminal or civil cases under existing laws.

CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap said the policy is anchored on the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713), the Administrative Code of 1987 (Executive Order No. 292), relevant jurisprudence, and prior directives prohibiting casino entry and related gambling activities.

“Involvement in gambling may expose public servants to financial vulnerability and conflicts of interest, which can undermine impartiality and erode public trust,” Chairperson Yap said. “This prohibition reinforces the duty of all government personnel to consistently uphold integrity and professionalism in public service.”

CSC Resolution No. 2600111 will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or in the Official Gazette, She added.