CIBAC Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva lauds DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-082 which prohibits officials and employees of local government units from accessing online gambling platforms and engaging in it.

“This is a welcome move by the DILG as it sends a strong message that public servants must uphold the highest standards of integrity and moral responsibility,” said Villanueva. “Gambling addiction, particularly through online platforms, not only destroys individual lives and families, but also erodes public trust and the integrity of those entrusted with governance.”

Villanueva emphasized that government personnel, especially at the local level, are expected to be models of discipline and responsibility in their communities. Allowing them to participate in online gambling—an activity designed to exploit human weakness and often linked to corruption and financial ruin—undermines said principles of public service.

Though DILG’s efforts are a welcome development, the CIBAC solon, however, said that much is still to be done as the memorandum only applies to LGU and DILG offices and attached agencies. According to Rep. Bro. Eddie, what is needed is a complete ban in order to protect the lives and properties of the entire Filipino people.

“As we have consistently advocated, what is needed is a total ban on online gambling, not mere regulation or heavy taxation. The social cost of gambling addiction far outweighs whatever revenue it generates for the State. This DILG measure is a crucial first step, and we hope it will pave the way for broader legislative action to ban online gambling altogether,” Villanueva added.

The CIBAC solon filed House Bill 637 which seeks to prohibit online gambling in the country.

Rep. Bro. Eddie reiterates his call for the government to stand firm against the normalization of gambling culture, reminding public servants and citizens alike of the Biblical wisdom in Proverbs 13:11: “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”