MANILA, Philippines – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) issued a reminder to government workers that Christmas parties during office hours are not allowed and to be wary of accepting gifts from clients.
CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala gave the warning to government agencies today, December 3. She reminded everyone to focus on public service during this Christmas season.
Dela Rosa-Bala said, “Christmas is the season of sharing and giving and I know that the best gift government workers can give to the transacting public is the provision of responsive, compassionate, and effective public service, not only for the holidays but throughout the year.”
She also reminded the heads of government agencies to follow “appropriate working schedules to ensure that all clients who are within their premises prior to the end of official working hours are attended to.”
The CSC also gave a stern warning to government workers to not accept or solicit gifts either for personal use or as raffle prizes for Christmas parties.
Under the provisions of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, civil servants are prohibited from soliciting or accepting gifts, favors, loans or anything of monetary value in the course of their official duties. Violation of this provision is considered a grave offense and is punishable by dismissal from the service.
“Serving the public is our duty and we must give the best possible service and the extra mile without expecting anything in return,” Dela Rosa-Bala noted.
The CSC statement also cited Section 50 (8), Rule 10 of the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RACCS) which states, “Receiving for personal use of a fee, gift or other valuable thing in the course of official duties or in connection therewith when such fee, gift or other valuable thing is given by any person in the hope or expectation of receiving a favor or better treatment than that accorded to other persons, or committing acts punishable under the anti-graft laws.”
The statement gave a concise example, “For instance, those from permit/license issuing offices must refrain from requesting companies for raffle prizes or soliciting monetary contributions as the act may be construed as a bribe or reward in exchange for better treatment.”
— Sally, The Summit Express
CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala gave the warning to government agencies today, December 3. She reminded everyone to focus on public service during this Christmas season.
Dela Rosa-Bala said, “Christmas is the season of sharing and giving and I know that the best gift government workers can give to the transacting public is the provision of responsive, compassionate, and effective public service, not only for the holidays but throughout the year.”
She also reminded the heads of government agencies to follow “appropriate working schedules to ensure that all clients who are within their premises prior to the end of official working hours are attended to.”
The CSC also gave a stern warning to government workers to not accept or solicit gifts either for personal use or as raffle prizes for Christmas parties.
Under the provisions of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, civil servants are prohibited from soliciting or accepting gifts, favors, loans or anything of monetary value in the course of their official duties. Violation of this provision is considered a grave offense and is punishable by dismissal from the service.
“Serving the public is our duty and we must give the best possible service and the extra mile without expecting anything in return,” Dela Rosa-Bala noted.
The CSC statement also cited Section 50 (8), Rule 10 of the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RACCS) which states, “Receiving for personal use of a fee, gift or other valuable thing in the course of official duties or in connection therewith when such fee, gift or other valuable thing is given by any person in the hope or expectation of receiving a favor or better treatment than that accorded to other persons, or committing acts punishable under the anti-graft laws.”
The statement gave a concise example, “For instance, those from permit/license issuing offices must refrain from requesting companies for raffle prizes or soliciting monetary contributions as the act may be construed as a bribe or reward in exchange for better treatment.”
— Sally, The Summit Express
