CSC tells gov’t men: Do not accept gifts

PALO, LEYTE , Philippines  — The Civil Service Commission reminds government officials and employees not to accept gifts in exchange for performing their duties, especially from clients, suppliers and contractors with whom they are facilitating business.

CSC Region 8 director, Marilyn Taldo, said the reminder came from CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III who said that gifts may be construed as a bribe or reward in exchange for a favor or better treatment.

Serving the public is civil servants’ duty and must be performed in the best possible way without expecting anything in return, Taldo said.

In making the reminder, the CSC cited Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees prohibiting civil servants from soliciting or accepting gifts, favors, loans or anything of monetary value in the course of their official duties.

The violation is classified as a grave offense punishable by dismissal from the service on the first offense.

Under the law, a gift is deemed proper or improper depending on the value of the gift, the relationship between the giver and the receiver, and the intent. Something of monetary value is “one which is evidently or manifestly excessive by its very nature.”

Gifts exempted from the prohibition are those from family members given without expectation of pecuniary benefit, and those coming from persons with no regular, pending or expected transactions with the government office where the receiver belongs.

Also exempted are those from private organizations given with humanitarian and altruistic intent; and those donated by one government entity to another.  (FREEMAN)