DILG Bans Online Gambling for All Personnel, LGU Officials

QUEZON CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a nationwide ban on online gambling for all its personnel, attached agencies, and local government officials, warning that violators will face administrative and possible criminal charges.

In Memorandum Circular No. 2025-082, signed on August 12, the DILG expanded the existing prohibition on casino visits—covered by a 2016 directive from the Office of the President—to include internet-based gambling platforms, citing reports of public officials engaging in the activity.

The department stressed that such behavior undermines the integrity of public service and violates ethical standards under the 1987 Constitution, Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), and other existing laws.

The order applies to all elected and appointed officials at the provincial, city, municipal, and barangay levels; DILG central and field office personnel; and employees of attached agencies including the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, National Youth Commission, and others.

Online gambling, for purposes of the directive, covers any internet-based wagering activity except those operated or regulated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Violators face penalties under civil service rules, including suspension of six months to one year for the first offense and dismissal for the second, as well as potential criminal liability.

The policy takes effect immediately, with agency heads ordered to ensure the directive is widely disseminated within their jurisdictions.

Government Employees to Receive Salary Increase Starting 2024

In a significant development, Executive Order (EO) No. 64, issued in 2024, ensures salary increases for government employees. Here are the key points:

1. National Government Agencies (NGAs):

   • The first tranche of salary increase will be implemented this year.
   • The increase is retroactive to January 1, 2024, meaning government employees will receive back pay from the start of the year.
   • Salaries will continue to rise annually until 2027.

2. Local Government Units (LGUs) and Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs):

   • These entities must implement all tranches within at least four years.
   • Each tranche cannot start earlier than the prescribed date.
   • LGUs may begin implementing the first tranche starting August 2, 2024.
   • The Local Government Code of 1991 mandates that salary adjustments cannot be made retroactively.
   • Authorization from the respective Sanggunian is required, subject to relevant laws and issuances.

For more details, you can refer to the official announcement here.

Salary Adjustments for Government Personnel

The Philippine government has recently announced a series of salary adjustments for its employees. These adjustments are aimed at improving the compensation of government workers and making government service more attractive to qualified individuals.

The following are the key highlights of the salary adjustments:

• Casual personnel: The daily wage for casual personnel will be computed by dividing their monthly salary rate by 22 working days.
• LGU personnel: The updated Salary Schedule for civilian government personnel may also be granted to LGU personnel, subject to authorization from their respective sanggunian and compliance with the PS Imitation in the LGU budget. The rates of pay for LGU personnel will be determined based on the class and financial capability of each LGU.
• Barangay personnel: The basic pay for barangay personnel will be in the form of honoraria, consistent with RA No. 7160. They may also be given a Year-End Bonus (YEB) and a Cash Gift.
• Implementation schedule: The updated Salary Schedule will be implemented in National Government Agencies (NGAs) in four tranches, with the first tranche beginning on January 1, 2024. For covered GOCCs and LGUs, the implementation period will not be less than four years, depending on their financial capabilities.
• Retroactive application: The first tranche of the Salary Schedule for civilian personnel will be effective January 1, 2024. For covered GOCCs and LGUs, the retroactive application of the first tranche will be subject to their capacity to pay and compliance with other requirements under existing laws.
• Medical allowance: Beginning FY 2025, a Medical Allowance of up to Php7,000 per annum will be granted to each qualified government civilian personnel as a subsidy for the availment of health maintenance organization (HMO)-type benefits.
• Exempt entities: Certain government agencies, GOCCs, and those authorized by law to implement their own CPCS will be exempt from the salary adjustments and will continue to be governed by their respective CPCS.
• Applicability to certain officials: The salaries authorized for the President of the Philippines, Vice President of the Philippines, and Members of Congress will take effect only after the expiration of their respective terms.
• Funding: The funding sources for the salary adjustments will come from available appropriations for NGAs, corporate funds for GOCCs, and local government funds for LGUs.

These salary adjustments are expected to have a positive impact on the morale and productivity of government employees. It is also hoped that these adjustments will attract more qualified individuals to government service.

For more information, please refer to the following:

• Republic Act No. 11466
• Local Budget Circular No. 149
• Local Budget Circular No. 143
• Department of Budget and Management website

I hope this blog post was informative. Please let me know if you have any other questions.