POEA bars employees from receiving gifts

POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac. Photo by Noy Morcoso lll/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Christmas is the season of giving, but not in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac has issued a memorandum regarding the agency’s “no gift” policy, especially during the Christmas season.

The memorandum was directed to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), private recruitment agencies, suppliers and contractors, parties to recruitment/employment-related cases, and other parties from private sector transacting business with the agency.

“Our agency is strictly implementing the ‘no gift’ policy. This means that any gift, in cash or in kind, for our officials and employees including casual and contractual personnel coming from your end will not be accepted,” he said.

Cacdac said the POEA’s policy was issued in compliance with Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Administrative Order 476, series of 2010 of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), or Code of Conduct for Dole Officials and Employees.

He said they would expect the public to respect the policy and cooperate in implementing it.

The POEA issued the memorandum in time for the coming holidays, when many OFWs would visit POEA offices for the processing of their work documents.

“Please do not give gifts to any POEA official or employee especially during this holiday season. While we appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness, we value more your full cooperation in this aspect,” Cacdac said.

He said officials or employees should refuse or return the gifts given to them or they would face disciplinary action.