The Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) reminded provincial government workers “to properly observe decorum and ethical standards as required by no less than Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”.
In a statement, PACE president Renelo Lastierre said that as government servants, Capitol employees have to live a modest life and “must serve with utmost diligence and efficiency.”
“As long as we are active employees, it is therefore required of us to observe at all times rules and regulations promulgated to promote good governance,” Lastierre said.
Five employees of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in Negros Occidental were each meted a 60-day preventive suspension for making a driver of a government vehicle wait beyond office hours, while they engaged in a drinking spree at a restaurant in Victiorias City, Negros Occidental.
Lastierre, however, said that “due process of law must always be observed in the investigation of employees, to give them ample opportunity to defend themselves.”
As defender of the workers, he stressed that PACE does not tolerate nor allow abusive behavior, but rather, encourages employees to be efficient partners of the government for public service.
“As long as we observe the laws, we are at the correct track,” Lastierre added.
Meanwhile, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez issued Memorandum Order No. 12, reminding city government employees of the “proper conduct while on or hosting official travel.”
In his memorandum dated Aug. 30, Benitez said everyone, regardless of the nature of employment, is directed to think, act, conduct themselves as responsible and honorable public servants by avoiding any act or omissions which will put the reputation of the office you hold and that of the local government of Victorias in question.
He also called on employees to “‘avoid courtesy invitations’ during or after official travel/s which involve committing acts unbecoming of a public servant or unnecessarily wasting government resources.”
These acts, Benitez said, “are distasteful, violate the code of conduct of a public servant/government employee, and will not be tolerated by the current administration.”
He also directed the Administrative Investigation Committee “to monitor any commission of acts which this order seeks to prevent.”/GB
