CSC on gov't Christmas parties: No public funds, follow ethical standards

Christmas lanterns light up Ayala Avenue on November 6, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued reminders to agencies conducting Christmas or year-end parties, stressing that no public funds should be used and that ethical standards must be followed.

Speaking on TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Wednesday, CSC Commissioner Aileen Lourdes Lizada said government funds cannot be used for Christmas parties, but they can be held using pooled money.

"If you conduct Christmas parties, do not hold them in a manner that turns your office into a private venue... Offices are not like bars where, after 5 o'clock, you can drink and smoke inside," the commissioner also said in a mix of Filipino and English.

She issued the reminder after Malacañang encouraged government agencies to donate their savings from scaled-down holiday celebrations to communities affected by the recent typhoons.

Lizada advised government agencies to consult the Commission on Audit and the Department of Social Welfare and Development first before making donations.

Malacañang tells gov’t agencies: ‘Scale down’ Christmas parties, save money for typhoon victims

ACCEPTING GIFTS PROHIBITED

Lizada said agencies are not allowed to accept food items or sponsored venues from private entities for their parties.

Solicitation is also not allowed by law, she said, and neither is accepting gifts or sponsorships.

She warned government employees against conducting Christmas carolings, saying it is essentially solicitation.

YEAR-END ASSESSMENTS ALLOWED

Lizada however said that events such as year-end assessments, where agencies evaluate the past year, are allowed expenditures.

The commissioner said that government employees must prepare a project design and proposal, which must be approved by the head of their agency. 

She said that the activity qualifies as a year-end assessment, as it is categorized under that expense.

Lizada emphasized that whether government employees are in a public or private setting, they remain public officials or employees. 

She noted that they are still bound by RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and RA 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

PNP: No lavish holiday parties; money to go to typhoon aid instead