Government officials, employees warned: Don’t receive gifts
CEBU, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has warned all public officials and employees against receiving gifts and solicitation for Christmas party.
Lawyer Maria Corazon Naraja, spokesperson of the Ombudsman-Visayas, said that receiving gifts and solicitation for Christmas are prohibited under the Republic Act 6713 and R.A. 3019 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, respectively.
“Mahimo gayud masilotan ang mga kawani ug opisyal nga mag-solicit ug mangayo ug regalo sa ilang mga kaila ilabi na kung may kalabutan sa ilang trabaho kay usa kini ka kalapasan sa Republic Act 6713 ug RA 3019,” Naraja said.
Although gift-giving is one culture of the Filipinos during Christmas, Naraja said government officials and employees should think twice before receiving gifts because it is not allowed under the law.
She said that government officials and employees are bound to perform their duties without expecting something in return.
“Kinahanglan gayud mohatag ug serbisyo ang mga opisyal ug empleyado nga wala magpaabot ug balos,” Naraja said.
“Kung makadawat mi ug complaint amo gayud buhatan ug evaluation kung unsa kalig-on ang ebidensya kay amo gayud pasakaan ug tukma nga kaso,” she added.
The anti-graft office also warned officials and employees not to use government resources for personal satisfaction.— /FPL (FREEMAN)
- Latest
