Resolution targets productivity, public accountability, and digital misuse within government systems
Council Resolution Targets Growing Gambling Risks
The Cebu City Council has taken a firm stand against the misuse of government-managed internet networks by approving a resolution that bans access to online gambling sites and VPN applications across all public office systems and public Wi-Fi hotspots. Authored by Councilor Nyza “Nice” Archival, the measure was formally adopted during the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod regular session on 22 July 2025.
This initiative comes amid increasing concerns about government employees using official networks to access gambling platforms, posing serious risks to workplace productivity, ethics, and public service standards. The resolution now tasks the Management Information and Computer Services (MICS) office with deploying technical blocks to disable access to gambling domains and VPN-related software.
VPN Ban Highlights Sophistication of Evasion Tactics
A key feature of this resolution is its inclusion of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in the ban. VPNs have increasingly become a tool for circumventing web filters and geographical restrictions, allowing users to reach banned online gambling websites, especially offshore or unregulated platforms.
Councilor Archival noted that by restricting access to VPNs—whether via desktop applications, browser extensions, or mobile apps—the city aims to close a critical loophole in digital enforcement. This approach mirrors international best practices, as seen in the UK and Singapore, where VPN-enabled access to blacklisted sites has fueled a surge in illegal betting during major sports events.
Accountability Measures Backed by Civil Service Rules
Enforcement of the resolution will involve both automated technical measures and human resource interventions. Employees found bypassing the bans may face disciplinary action under existing civil service regulations. This dual mechanism ensures the initiative is not only technically sound but supported by administrative penalties, reinforcing deterrence.
The resolution’s language is clear on its purpose: “There is a growing concern regarding the misuse of government-provided internet connections to access online gambling sites and applications, which may lead to issues such as addiction, financial distress, moral decay and decreased productivity.”
A Step Toward Digital Governance and Ethical Use
By addressing the intersection of public internet usage and online gambling, Cebu City is setting a precedent for local government-led digital regulation in the Philippines. The move reflects broader national conversations about the risks posed by unregulated online gambling, not just to individual users but to institutional integrity and service delivery.
It also signals an understanding that public digital infrastructure should serve the public good, not private vices. With VPNs increasingly used to mask illegal or unethical activities, the city’s decision demonstrates a proactive approach to digital governance—one that may soon be emulated by other local government units across the country.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Other LGUs?
As online gambling continues to grow—both legally and illicitly—the Cebu City resolution provides a blueprint for how local governments can assert control over public internet use and protect against the erosion of workplace ethics. If successful, this model could influence national-level legislation or Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) guidelines on internet governance in the public sector.
