Cebu City has taken a firm stand against online gambling by banning access to such platforms—and the VPN tools used to circumvent restrictions—on all government-provided internet networks.
The move, approved during the July 22 session of the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod, directs the city’s Management Information and Computer Services (MICS) office to enforce the digital clampdown. The resolution was authored by Councilor Nyza Marie C. Archival.
The ban covers both internal networks in government offices and public Wi-Fi systems under the city’s administration. The measure was prompted by growing concerns over the misuse of public digital infrastructure, particularly by government employees, for accessing gambling websites and apps.
“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,” the resolution states.
To ensure the restrictions are effective, VPNs—often used to bypass blocked sites—will also be barred. MICS has been tasked to maintain and regularly update a blacklist of gambling-related domains and VPN software.
City government employees are also prohibited from gambling—whether online or offline—during working hours or within city premises. Violations will be dealt with in accordance with civil service rules, which may result in penalties ranging from reprimand to dismissal.
The resolution cites Cebu City Ordinance 2142, the Code of Ethics for Government Employees, which already prohibits gambling and other inappropriate conduct within government facilities and during work hours.
The city council likewise voiced its support for the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025 under Senate Bill 2561, filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, which seeks to criminalize online gambling nationwide.
