The Civil Service Commission (CSC) recently issued an advisory to civil servants regarding gifts and parties during the holiday season.

A statement by the agency cited RA 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which states: “Public officials and employees shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary value from any person 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.”

However, the release also noted gifts from family members offered without expectation of compensation, an individual with no pending transactions with the receiver’s office, or private organizations provided through “humanitarian and altruistic intent” are exempt from the rule.

Meanwhile, the CSC also emphasized services must remain uninterrupted, indicating parties or seasonal get-togethers must not interfere with office hours./WDJ