The Philippine Online Chronicles

Manila City Hall employees have been banned from logging on to popular social networking sites Facebook and Twitter, as well as playing computer games during office hours.

According to a memorandum released May 26, gaming websites and social networking sites will be blocked in City Hall. In addition, only officers, department heads, and the public information office will be able to access the internet. Employees who need to use the internet will have to ask permission from their supervisors.

City Administrator Jesus Mari Marzan said that City Hall's internet access had been slowing down because of employees spending too much time on gaming and social networking sites. He added that the ban will allow employees to focus on providing better service to the public.

“These [games and websites] are all counterproductive as they deprive the city and its constituents of genuine public service,” he said. “We want to show that our work is worth the taxes paid by the people.”

The city halls of Makati, Parañaque and Quezon City have also limited their employees' access to the internet. Other local government units are also reportedly considering banning their employees from accessing social networking and gaming sites.