The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued new rules prohibiting all government officials and employees from engaging in gambling activities, whether in person or online, reinforcing the principle that public office is a public trust.
Under Resolution No. 2600111, adopted on January 19 2026, the prohibition applies across the national government, local government units, autonomous regional governments, state universities and colleges, and government-owned or -controlled corporations with original charters, unless otherwise provided by law.
The policy defines gambling as any game played for money or something of value in which the outcome depends wholly or chiefly on chance, including the use of mechanical or electronic devices to determine winners or losers.
Officials and employees are prohibited from entering, staying in or participating in gambling activities in casinos, gambling houses or similar establishments, whether located within or outside the Philippines, even if these venues are licensed. The ban also covers online and electronic gambling such as online casinos, e-bingo, e-sabong and internet-based betting using any device. Organizing, promoting or facilitating such activities is likewise prohibited.
The CSC clarified that mere presence in a gambling venue constitutes a violation unless the individual is performing authorized official duties. However, activities conducted exclusively for charitable or public welfare purposes, as well as games not prohibited by law, may be allowed provided they do not create an appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest.
Violations may be reported through the CSC Contact Center ng Bayan or other complaint channels, including anonymous submissions. Penalties under the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service range from reprimand for a first offense to suspension for a second and dismissal for a third, without prejudice to criminal or civil liability.
CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap said the policy seeks to prevent financial vulnerability and conflicts of interest that could erode public trust.
The resolution was published today in The Philippine Star and will take effect 15 days after publication.
The resolution takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation or the Official Gazette
