The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday issued a memorandum reminding all its officials and employees of the strict prohibition against engaging in any form of gambling.
In a memorandum signed by Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, all BOC officials and staff are prohibited from engaging in "any form of gambling, including online betting, and from entering casinos, gambling dens, cockpit arenas, or other similar venues."
Nepomuceno emphasized that the directive is anchored on Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which mandates all public servants to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability in public service.
"Participation in gambling activities or frequenting gambling places undermines public trust and confidence in the government service and constitues conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service", according to the memorandum dated October 17, 2025.
The memorandum also cites the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Advisory dated September 2, 2025, which explicitly bans gambling among government employees, whether during or outside official working hours.
"As stated in Section 46(B)(16) of Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987), “gambling prohibited by law” is a ground for disciplinary action in the Civil Service. Engaging in such activities not only violates existing laws and regulations but also undermines the integrity and professionalism expected of public servants," the memorandum stated.
Nepomuceno warned that any BOC personnel found violating the directive will face appropriate administrative charges under existing CSC rules and other applicable laws.
“All heads of offices are directed to ensure strict compliance with this policy and to report any violations within their respective jurisdictions,” he added.
Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) barred its employees and the local government units (LGUs) nationwide from accessing and engaging in any form of online gambling.
