Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 13) — The Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Philippine National Police on Tuesday gave a stern warning to officers who accept gifts from the public. Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said erring police officers will be held responsible.
“As a matter of policy, employees under the DILG, including police officers, will be held criminally and administratively liable if they receive or solicit gifts of monetary value from people they serve or transact with in relation to their official functions,” he said in a statement.
Año said there is an existing DILG memorandum circular penalizing the act of soliciting or accepting directly or indirectly any gift of monetary value or the act of receiving for personal use of a fee, gift , or other valuable thing in the course of official duties in expectation of receiving a favor or better treatment.
The DILG chief acknowledged Duterte’s statement on August 9 that there is nothing wrong with accepting rewards if the move was done out of gratitude and generosity. He said this is stated in Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, but he emphasized it is only acceptable if the gift is of “small or insignificant value.”
“Our laws are not unmindful of the Filipino culture of showing their appreciation towards those who help us, including public servants… It is in this context that the President’s statement must be appreciated as explained by the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel,” Año said.
Presidential spokesperson Sal Panelo was asked what counts as a gift of excess value, he only went as far as to say that receiving a house and lot is definitely not allowed. He said it is up to the Congress to determine how much is too much when it comes to gifts accepted by government officials and employees.
Año reminded police officers that their services are fully paid by the people through their taxes.
“Therefore, gifts received in exchange for favors or as a form of bribe is in direct violation of your oath of service and is a violation of law,” he said.
He added that when he receives gifts or tokens, he sends them back to the sender.
