Proposal to ban government officials from casinos backed

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is supporting a proposed measure in the House of Representatives that seeks to prohibit government officials from playing in casinos, an administration congressman said yesterday.

Davao Oriental Rep. Joel Mayo Almario, chairman of the House committee on games and amusements, said CSC Chairwoman Karina Constantino-David lauded the measure.

"The CSC has no objection to the bill insofar as it concerns government personnel," David wrote Almario, describing the bill as "laudable" since it aims to instill in the government’s 1.5 million-strong workforce "utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, efficiency (and) patriotism."

Almario asked the CSC for its stand as congressmen deliberate on House Bill 1611, filed by Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Roseller Barinaga, which prohibits elected and appointed government officials — as well as members of their families — from patronizing casinos.

But David does not agree with prohibiting members of a government official’s family from playing in casinos, unless they are government officials themselves. She said spouses of government officials and employees are not under the jurisdiction of the CSC.

"We would like to stress that the mandate of the commission provides that it can only promulgate policies, standards and guidelines to promote economical, efficient and effective personnel administration in the government," David said.

She also issued a clarification on whether sanctions should be imposed on government officials who are on official leave. She also expressed doubt that all government personnel patronize casinos, since only those holding high-profile positions can be easily spotted.

Under Presidential Decree 1869, implemented in 2001, David said government officials, persons below 21 years of age, and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are banned from staying and playing in casinos.

David also proposed the inclusion of a provision in HB 1611 that provides a penalty for violating the ban. She suggested that first-time offenders be administratively charged with simple misconduct, while a second offense merits dismissal from government service.