The government of Cebu City in the Philippines has announced a strict ban on online gambling and the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across all government-owned networks and devices.
The new policy is being led by the city’s technology department to enhance cybersecurity and ensure the proper use of public resources.
The decision comes after an internal audit discovered that some government employees were accessing unauthorized online gambling websites during work hours.
City Administrator Collin Rosell stated that all public employees will be restricted from visiting these sites and from using VPNs, which can be used to bypass internet filters and mask online activity.
Officials emphasized that the move is not just a disciplinary measure but also a critical step to protect sensitive government data and maintain productivity.
“This is not about limiting freedom—it’s about protecting government data and ensuring productivity,” Rosell commented. The ban will be enforced across all local government units (LGUs) in the city.
In addition to the ban, Cebu City is planning long-term security upgrades, including stronger firewalls and enhanced IT protocols, and has requested technical support from the national Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The new policy is expected to roll out in the coming weeks, with penalties to be imposed on any employees found in violation
