WHEREAS,  Section 2 of Republic Act  No. 6713, otherwise known as the œCode of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,  provides that it is the policy of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in public service  and that government  personnel  shall discharge  their  duties with  utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Presidential Decree (PD) No.  1067-B (s. 1977), as amended by PD No. 1869 (s. 1983), the following are not allowed to play in gambling casinos:

a. Government officials connected directly with the operation of the Government or any of its agencies;

b. Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including the Army, Navy and Air Force; and

c. Persons under 21 years of age or students of any school, college or university in the Philippines.

WHEREAS, Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 20. (s. 1986) and MC No. 8 (s.2001), reiterated the prohibition on the aforementioned government personnel to enter, stay and/or play at gambling casinos;

WHEREAS, Section 46 (b), Chapter 7, Subtitle A, Title I, Book V of EO No.292 considers gambling prohibited by law and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service as grounds for disciplinary actions;

WHEREAS, it has been reported that many government officials and employees, and even members of the AFP and PNP, have been seen in casinos;

NOW THEREFORE, in order to ensure the observance of the highest ethical standards among public officials and employees, the following are hereby ordered:

1. All government officials and employees shall strictly observe and comply with all pertinent laws, issuances and policies prohibiting government personnel to enter, stay, or play in gambling casinos.
2. All heads of departments, bureaus and offices, government-owned or  - controlled corporations and local governments, including those  of the AFP and the Philippine National  Police, shall remind and  reiterate to the officials and employees under them the above-stated laws, issuances and policies, and impose the appropriate sanctions and penalties in case of violation thereof.

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.

3. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Management shall ensure strict observance of this Circular by all government officials and employees.

This Circular shall take effect immediately.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 20th day of September Our Lord, Two Thousand and Sixteen.