CSC expands gambling ban for state workers

The Civil Service Commission has imposed a sweeping ban on all forms of gambling among government officials and employees, extending the prohibition beyond office hours and into private time.

Under Resolution 2600111, the policy covers the entire bureaucracy and reinforces the principle that “public office is a public trust,” requiring state workers to uphold the highest standards of conduct at all times.

The measure prohibits entry into casinos and similar establishments, as well as participation in online gambling platforms such as e-casinos, e-bingo, and e-sabong. It also bars the organization or facilitation of any gambling-related activity.

According to the commission, the stricter rules are meant to safeguard the integrity of the civil service and align employee behavior with ethical standards mandated by law. The ban applies regardless of time or location, effectively closing loopholes that previously allowed gambling during breaks or off-duty hours.

The resolution, published Thursday, will take effect 15 days after publication. Government agencies have been directed to ensure compliance, with violators facing administrative sanctions under existing civil service rules.

The new directive expands an earlier advisory issued on Sept. 4, 2025, which limited the prohibition to gambling during work hours. Under the updated rules, the ban now applies even if the gambling activity is legal.