No ‘underground economy’ during office hours

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has advised government officials and employees not to resort to the "underground economy" to augment their income, especially during office hours.

"While there is the urgent need of government employees to augment their income and cope with the rising cost of living, public officials and employees are still bound to discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity and competence, and to uphold public interest over personal interest," said CSC Chairwoman Karina David.

David also called on all government officials and employees to observe and abide by related rules and policies on entrepreneurial activities, such as the selling of commodities and merchandise.

"It is the duty of every civil servant to promote a high standard of ethics in public service," the CSC chief said. It has been observed that some government employees, including teachers, sometimes sell tocino, longanisa and pastries at their workplace to help make ends meet.

Government employees also often "sideline" as real estate or insurance agents, by contracting out specialized services, enlisting in multi-level marketing, and by direct selling of commodities and merchandise.

Instead, David exhorted government employees to refrain from conducting business, especially direct selling of various commodities, during office hours and in full view of the public. — Cecille Suerte Felipe