In a bid to keep governance in check, Councilor Paolo Salvosa filed a law prohibiting acceptance of gifts in city hall.
The “Baguio City Government No Gift Policy”, aims to safeguard the City Government from conflicts of interest, corruption, and even the appearance of partiality, favoritism, or undue influence.
Salvosa said “There is a need to institutionalize a comprehensive “No Gift Policy” to safeguard the City Government from conflicts of interest, corruption and even the appearance of partiality, favoritism, or undue influence.”
The proposed ordinance reinforces the constitutional declaration that public office is a public trust, demanding accountability, integrity, and efficiency from all government personnel. The policy is designed to be sweeping, applying to all officials and employees, whether elective or appointive, permanent, temporary, contractual, or job order personnel, extending to indirect acceptance of gifts through family members, close personal relations, or agents acting for the covered official’s benefit.
The policy covers especially corporations, companies and individuals who have deals or ongoing proposals to the City.
Salvosa said “These issuances also prohibit acts that create even the appearance of impropriety, recognizing that public servants must always remain above suspicion and reproach.”
Under the proposed law, no City personnel shall solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, favor, loan, discount, or anything of monetary value by reason of office or in relation to a city transaction. This aligns with existing national laws such as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713) , while going further to institutionalize a local framework of strict ethical conduct.
The ordinance prohibits:
- Accepting gifts from a “Regulated Entity” or a person with a pending or potential major transaction with the City.
- Receiving gifts or favors in exchange for official action or the hope of favorable treatment.
- Using one’s position to obtain personal discounts, loans, or debt condonation.
- Accepting travel, accommodation, or entertainment paid for by a Regulated Entity.
A “Gift” is defined as “any item, service, right, hospitality, privilege loan, discount, rebate, travel, accommodation, entertainment, promise, or other economic benefit given without or for inadequate consideration”.
Salvosa has put exceptions for nominal tokens, gifts from family, protocolary gifts and cordillera cultural practices.
The Character Council is tasked with overseeing implementation, resolving disputes, and conducting annual compliance reviews. Violations of the policy can lead to administrative sanctions, including suspension, fine, reprimand, or even dismissal for repeated offenses, in addition to potential criminal or civil liability under existing anti-graft laws.
The proposed law has been filed is will be up for discussion on next week’s regular session. Maria Elena Catajan