THE Office of the President on Friday ordered the strict enforcement of the law banning public officials and employees from casinos and other gambling places.
Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea issued Memorandum Circular 6 ordering all public officials and employees, including the police and the military, to strictly observe all laws prohibiting them from entering, staying or playing in gambling casinos.
Medialdea said there have been reports that many government officials and employees, and even police and military personnel, have been seen in casinos.
Medialdea pointed out that entering and playing in casinos also violate the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which provides the State’s policy of promoting a high standard of ethics in public service, and enjoins all government employees to lead modest lives.
“In view of its negative effect on the public perception of government service as a whole, the mere entry or presence of government officials and employees in a gambling casino shall be considered as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, unless the same was in the performance of official duties and functions,” the circular said.
The circular ordered that those government officials and employees who will be proven to have violated the laws prohibiting them from even entering a casino will be meted out sanctions and penalties, including dismissal from the service.
Under Presidential Decree 1067-B, as amended by Presidential Decree 1869, the following are not allowed to play in gambling casinos: government officials connected directly with the operation of the government or any of its agencies; members of the Armed Forces; and persons under 21 years of age or students of any school, college or university in the Philippines.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. was also enjoined by the circular to strictly enforce the laws prohibiting government officials and employees from entering casinos.