Cebu City moves to block online gambling and VPNs on government networks
A new resolution mandates technical restrictions and disciplinary measures for civil servants.
The Philippines.- Cebu City has approved a resolution aimed at restricting access to online gambling platforms and VPN applications for civil servants. The measure, authored by councillor Nyza “Nice” Archival and passed in the July 22 session of the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod, directs the city’s Management Information and Computer Services (MICS) office to block all known gambling-related domains and VPN tools across internal government systems and public Wi-Fi.
The resolution was sparked by concern over the misuse of public internet by government employees to engage in gambling during work hours. It cites risks such as addiction, loss of productivity, and ethical violations in public service.
“VPNs are commonly used to bypass restrictions and access online gambling platforms that would otherwise be blocked,” Archival said. “Blocking these tools is essential to ensure that technical controls are enforceable.”
In addition to technical measures, the resolution reinforces a zero-tolerance policy by prohibiting all Cebu City government employees from engaging in any form of gambling during work hours or within city premises. Violators will face administrative sanctions in line with the city’s Code of Ethics for Government Employees and civil service rules.
The MICS office is also tasked with maintaining and updating a blacklist of restricted sites and applications.
