MANILA – The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is looking into reports that PCOO Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson has performed with the Mocha Girls in Resorts World Manila, even if government officials are prohibited from going to gambling casinos.
“PCOO is looking into the matter,” said PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar in a text message to News5 on Thursday.
For his part, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said, “From the Palace’s point of view, policies need to be complied with. In this matter, it needs to be properly vetted for whatever the actual situation (is).”
In September 2016, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued Memorandum Circular No. 06, “enjoining all government officials and employees to strictly observe and comply with the prohibition against going to gambling casinos.”
Medialdea reasoned that under Section 2 of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the State must “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.”
He added that under Presidential Decree No. 1067-B (s. 1977), “government officials connected directly with the operation of the government or any of its agencies” were not allowed to play in gambling casinos.
“Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Constabulary” were not allowed to play in gambling casinos, either.
Read Presidential Decree No. 1067-B here: http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecrees/presidentialdecreeno1067-B.html#.WUoenWh97IU. This issuance granted Pagcor a “franchise to establish, operate, and maintain gambling casinos on land or water” in the Philippines.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 06, “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.”
The issuance added, “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.”
Read the Memorandum Circular No. 06 here: http://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/Issuances/2016/Memorandum%20Circular/MCNo6.pdf.
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