Gov’t officials, employees urged to refuse Christmas ‘gifts’

Although Christmas is for gift-giving, this does not apply to government officials and employees who receive gifts from government suppliers, contractors, and clients, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said yesterday.

CSC chairwoman Karina Constantino-David is exhorting government officials and employees not to solicit and accept gifts or favors for any occasion, especially during the Christmas season.

She said the propriety of soliciting or accepting a gift shall be determined by its value, the conflict of interest and relationship between the giver and taker, and the motivation behind the act.

David pointed out that Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees states that "soliciting or accepting gifts or anything of monetary value in the course of official duties" is a ground for administrative disciplinary action.

To help the CSC implement this regulation, David called for vigilance of the people in reporting related abuses by government officials and employees.

She clarified that there is no problem about customary exchange gifts within the office and among employees, which usually form part of Christmas programs. The same goes for corporate giveaways.

Instead of accepting personal gifts, David encouraged government agencies to come up with a "gift registry" to deal with the influx of gifts and other items this Christmas season.

"A gift registry would ensure transparency and would address situations when extravagant gifts or favors are given on the pretext of spreading Yuletide cheer," she said.

David said a gift registry would ideally contain basic information such as description of the gift item; estimated amount or value; date and time delivered; name, position, agency, and agency address of the sender; name, position, and department, division or unit of the recipient; and what was done with the gift.

On the other hand, she said unsolicited gifts or donations of nominal or insignificant value are generally acceptable but the frequency of giving and expectation of benefits should simultaneously be taken into account.

Other gifts or donations not covered by the prohibition include those coming from family members or relatives on the occasion of a family celebration; those coming from persons with no regular, pending or expected transactions with the office with which the official or employee is connected; those coming from private organizations that are considered humanitarian in purpose; and those from government to government entities.

The Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service identifies soliciting or accepting gifts, gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value in the course of official duties or in connection with official operations as a grave offense punishable by dismissal on first offense.