Caloocan, Navotas government workers banned from soliciting

MANILA, Philippines - The city governments of Caloocan and Navotas have barred their workers from soliciting anything from the public.

Caloocan Mayor Enrico Echiverri yesterday assured owners of business establishments that no city government official or employee will ask for solicitations this Christmas season.

He has temporarily banned inspections in business and commercial establishments in Caloocan, saying “the Christmas season should never be used and abused by anyone to obtain material or monetary gain.”

Echiverri also advised the public to immediately report to his office any government official or employee violating the order.

“Residents, especially businessmen, may report directly to the Office of the City Mayor at (telephone numbers) 324-4960 and 288-8811 and report the offending party,” he said.

“It would be better if they would get a hold of any written document or request letter used in soliciting and/or a captured photo for identification purposes,” he added.

He said appropriate administrative charges and even suspension await any official or employee verified to have solicited money or goods from business establishments. “We should not use the spirit of Christmas as a means to harass or take advantage of our taxpayers,” he said.

He added that the inspection ban would be enforced until Jan. 1, 2010.

Earlier, Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco said he ordered all city officials, department heads and employees here to refrain from asking for something, in cash or in kind, this season.

“I would like to remind city government workers not to engage in any form of solicitation. Let’s continue to give quality public service to our kababayans as we used to,” said Tiangco.

Any official or employee caught violating the said order “will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

Last week, the mayor also directed all concerned offices, particularly the City Treasurer’s Office, to facilitate the release of the additional cash incentives amounting to one-month salary and P 2,500 cash gift to all 1,465 officials and employees of the city government.

“The extra bonus is the result of an excellent financial management by the city government,” Tiangco said.    – Jerry Botial