MANILA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Civil Service Commission (CSC) has warned government employees that playing online games during office hours is punishable under the law.

The commission said anybody who are caught violating the rule could face suspension up to a year.

"Regardless whether an employee uses government or personal tablet or computer or mobile phone, playing games during office hours is not allowed," CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada said in a statement on Wednesday.

She added that playing games during office hours "may be treated as 'Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service', among others."

Under CSC rule, government officials and employees who are found in violation of the rule for the first time will be suspended for six months.

A second offense will mean dismissal from service, the rule said.

Lizada re-issued the warning after a mayor of a central Philippine town issued an office memorandum stating that "a significant number of employees" in his town were reported to be playing mobile games during office hours.

Upon receiving the complaints from concerned citizens, the mayor issued a memorandum warning employees who are caught will be punished upon proven guilty.