DILG includes BFP, BJMP in caroling ban

The ban on solicitation of gifts during the holidays has been extended to firemen and jailguards by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Interior Secretary Jose Lina Jr., in a directive to the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, warned all fire and jail personnel to refrain from soliciting gifts from business establishments this Christmas season.

The same directive was sent to the Philippine National Police early this week.

"Any police, fire or jail personnel caught soliciting gifts will be facing administrative and criminal charges," Lina said.

DILG Undersecretary Agripino Morga said gift solicitation is a violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Employees.

The law provides that public officials and employees shall not solicit directly or indirectly any gifts, or anything of monetary value from any persons in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.

"All of us should comply with the law so as not to face the risk of being charged criminally and/or administratively. We will not hesitate to throw the book on anyone who will make a mockery of the anti-graft law," Lina said.

Meanwhile, Lina urged the public, particularly owners of business establishments, to immediately report to the DILG action center any gift solicitation made by any uniformed or civilian personnel of the department. Their numbers are 925-1130, 925-1128 and 925-5360.

Also covered by the ban are the selling of raffle tickets, organizing benefit shows, caroling and other fund-raising activities for Christmas parties.

Lina reminded officials that solicitation of gifts will lead to corruption as the giver will anticipate favors in return for the Christmas gifts.