The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has reminded government employees to keep their Christmas and year-end celebrations modest and mindful of public funds, CSC Assistant Commissioner Ariel Ronquillo said on Friday, November 28.
Ronquillo emphasized that these gatherings should remain part of routine year-end activities focused on reviewing performance and planning ahead.
“Unang-una, yearly naman nagpapaalala kami… Dapat sa year-end activities, diyan ginagawa ‘yong pagre-review ng lahat ng ginawa natin… at ‘yong pagpaplano kung ano ‘yong gagawin natin sa susunod na taon,” he said.
While festivities have become tradition, he underscored that they should not be extravagant.
“Ngayon, amin pong laging paalala, e dapat hindi po magarbo o magastos ‘yong ating Christmas party… hindi natin dapat ipakita na gumagamit tayo ng pera ng taumbayan sa isang event na ganito,” he added.
Ronquillo also highlighted legal prohibitions during the holiday season, particularly regarding gift-giving.
“Mayroon pong prohibition under the Code of Conduct na kahit may okasyon, bawal ho tayong tumanggap ng regalo sa ating mga kliyente… Kahit gaano kalaki o kaliit ‘yong ibibigay na regalo, hindi po natin puwedeng tanggapin,” he said.
He further noted that “inuman sessions” are not allowed inside government offices regardless of the occasion.
Ronquillo stressed that essential public services must continue even during internal celebrations.
“‘Pag may dumating na kliyente diyan, dapat mapagsisilbihan pa rin sila. So dapat, tuloy-tuloy pa rin po,” he reminded.
The reminder comes as the Department of Transportation recently announced the postponement of its “lavish year-end parties,” citing recent calamities and ongoing corruption concerns in the country.