Manila: Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Friday raised concern over the growing accessibility of online gambling platforms, warning that government workers are at risk of falling into digital addiction without clear institutional safeguards.

According to Philippines News Agency, Villanueva called on the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to update its policies to protect civil servants from the lure of online gambling, stressing that the shift from physical to digital betting requires responsive measures. 'Online gambling is now just a few clicks away. We cannot ignore how easily accessible these platforms have become, even during working hours. Government workers need protection from falling into addiction,' Villanueva said in a news release.

Current rules already prohibit civil servants, including uniformed personnel, from entering casinos and physical gambling venues. But Villanueva said this policy should be expanded to include online gambling platforms. 'Nakikiusap po tayo sa CSC na agad magpalabas ng malinaw at mahigpit na panuntunan laban sa online na pagsusugal ng mga opisyal at kawani ng pamahalaan (We urge the CSC to immediately issue clear and strict guidelines banning online gambling among government officials and employees)," he said.

Villanueva also warned that online gambling fosters a 'get-rich-quick' mindset and, if left unchecked, could encourage corruption and reduce productivity in the public sector. 'Gambling addiction is a real threat to employee well-being and ethical conduct. The government should lead by example by shielding its workers from these risks,' he added.