In a significant expansion of ethical standards for the public sector, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued Resolution No. 2600111.
The new mandate officially prohibits all government officials and personnel from participating in any form of gambling, regardless of location, timing, or whether the act is physical or electronic.
Total Coverage and Strict Prohibitions
The updated policy, published in The Philippine STAR on April 23, applies to all workers within local government units, state universities, and government-controlled corporations. Under the resolution, gambling is defined as any game played for money where the outcome depends chiefly on chance.
The ban specifically covers:
- Casinos & Gambling Houses: Both land-based and sea-based, inside the Philippines and abroad.
- Online Wagering: Explicitly naming online casinos, e-bingo, and e-sabong.
- Mere Presence: Simply being present in a gambling venue is considered a violation unless the individual is on authorized official duty.
Administrative Penalties and Public Accountability
The Civil Service Commission has established a “three-strike” disciplinary framework to ensure compliance. A reprimand is issued for the first offense, followed by suspension for the second, and termination of employment for the third. These sanctions do not preclude additional criminal or civil suits from being filed under national laws.
To support enforcement, the commission has empowered citizens to report violations through the CSC Contact Center ng Bayan.
Crucially, the CSC confirmed that anonymous reports will be processed, creating a high-accountability environment where government employees are expected to model behavior that avoids even the “appearance of impropriety.” This move aligns with the broader national push for a “gambling-free” civil service culture in the Philippines.
