Manila: Iligan City is supporting the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) order banning online gambling for its personnel and local government officials. In a statement on Wednesday, Mayor Frederick Siao expressed his support for DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-082, emphasizing that it aligns with the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The memorandum stresses that engaging in online gambling undermines the credibility of institutions and diverts public servants from their duty to serve with integrity.

According to Philippines News Agency, the new memorandum prohibits all DILG personnel, employees of its attached agencies, and all elected and appointed local government officials from accessing online gambling platforms or engaging in any form of online gambling. This measure aims to ensure that public officials remain focused on their responsibilities without the distraction and potential ethical compromises associated with online gambling.

Last week, City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez called for a total gambling ban, describing online gambling as a 'digital vice disguised as entertainment' that leads to addiction, family breakdowns, and financial ruin. The call for a broader ban highlights growing concerns over the social and economic impacts of online gambling, prompting officials to take decisive action in regulating access among government personnel.