The Civil Service Commission (CSC) reminded government workers to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages in government offices during Christmas and year-end parties.
CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles emphasized the significance of conscientiously celebrating the season, reminding government employees that while it is a time for joy and gratitude, it is also critical to uphold their responsibilities.
Government employees are also advised to prevent from soliciting gifts for holiday celebrations.
“Let us maintain a professional and conducive working environment even during year-end and holiday celebrations,” he said in a statement on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
Erring workers may be suspended, dismissed
Consumption of alcoholic beverages such as, but not limited to, malt, wine, and intoxicating liquor in the workplace by government officials and employees during office hours is prohibited under CSC Resolution No. 1100039.
“The mere act of consuming alcoholic beverages in the workplace during office hours as well as reporting for work while under the influence of alcohol shall be considered as an administrative offense, separate and distinct from the offense of Habitual Drunkenness,” CSC said.
It noted that officials and employees who are caught consuming intoxicating liquor and other alcoholic beverages during office hours, or reporting for work while under the influence of alcohol, will face disciplinary action and may be found guilty of “simple misconduct.”
“Simple misconduct in this regard is punishable by suspension for one month and one day to six months for the first offense, and dismissal from service for the second offense,” CSC said.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, which includes alcoholic beverage consumption during programs and rituals, such as ceremonial toasts and observance/honoring of local customs and traditions.
“In such instances, the alcoholic beverage must be limited to malt and wine, and drinking should not lead to intoxication, which is defined under the Resolution as the impairment of a person’s mental faculties resulting in the loss of control over behavior and/or actions,” CSC said.
“Moreover, the same may be done provided permission is previously secured from the head of the office. In the event of any untoward incident arising from such consumption, both the head of the office and the officials or employees involved will be held liable,” it added.
Solicitation for raffle prizes prohibited
Nograles also pointed out that requesting raffle prizes or soliciting monetary contributions from companies or stakeholders for celebrations is prohibited under the Republic Act (RA) 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
RA 6713 states that “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.”
The 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service also states that, “receiving for personal use of a fee, gift or other valuable thing in the course of official duties or in connection therewith when such fee, gift or other valuable thing is given by any person in the hope or expectation of receiving a favor or better treatment than that accorded to other persons, or committing acts punishable under the anti-graft laws.”
“Violation of this provision is a grave offense and is punishable by dismissal from the service,” CSC said.
Parties should be outside office hours
Meanwhile, CSC said agencies conducting get-togethers and year-end activities must also ensure that there will be no disruption in public services.
“Offices may opt to conduct these activities outside office hours but should always ensure that there is adequate skeletal workforce to attend to their clients and other urgent matters during official business hours,” it said.
“May we always be reminded of our duties as public servants even during the holidays. The most fitting way to conclude this eventful year is by maintaining the same standard of excellence in our service that we have consistently provided throughout the entire year,” Nograles said.