The Manila Times
THE Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued a new rule that totally bans government officials and personnel from engaging in all forms of gambling. CSC Chairman Marilyn Barua-Yap said on Sunday the agency approved a resolution or 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. “Involvement in gambling may expose public servants to financial vulnerability and conflicts of interest, which can undermine impartiality and erode public trust,” Barua-Yap said. Under the new measure, gambling refers to any game played for money or value in which 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. The prohibited acts include 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, was totally banned. The promotion or facilitation of these activities is also prohibited. The CSC said participating in any other gambling activity — whether traditional, informal, private, social, cultural, or newly emerging — is forbidden, and organizing or facilitating such activities is also disallowed. Activities conducted exclusively for charitable, civic, or public welfare purposes — as well as games not prohibited by law — remain allowed, as long as “participation does not create any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest,” Barua-Yap said. Violations may be reported by officials, employees, clients, or the public through the CSC Contact Center ng Bayan or other complaint referral systems. Anonymous reports will be processed in accordance with existing rules. A violator gets a reprimand for the first offense, suspension for the second offense, and dismissal from the service would be slapped for the third offense. Barua-Yap said the policy is anchored on the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713), the Administrative Code of 1987 (Executive Order 292), relevant jurisprudence, and prior directives prohibiting casino entry and related gambling activities.
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