THE P200,000 cash reward offered by former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson to traffic enforcers and its acceptance by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) run counter to RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, according to an official of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
Speaking on the public affairs program Bagong Pilipinas, CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada said that Section 7 (d) of RA 6713 specifically prohibits solicitation or acceptance of gifts by officials or employees of a government agency “from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.”
Lizada, a former Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer of the Office of the Ombudsman for Mindanao for more than a decade, said the cash gift is a prohibited act regardless of the intent behind Singson’s gesture or whether the sum will be comingled with the MMDA’s General Fund.
“In my view, I used to be with the Office of the Ombudsman … based on RA 6713, it is barred by law. I’d like to stress this. While the intention may be noble, perhaps the official concerned is simply unaware of the law,” she added.
Singson’s vehicle was part of a two-vehicle convoy apprehended by MMDA traffic enforcers for illegally using the EDSA busway in Cubao, Quezon City last April 8.
Even as he acknowledged the mistake of his drivers, Singson also commended the traffic officers for strictly applying the law.
To show his appreciation, he offered a P100,000 cash reward to those who issued his drivers a traffic ticket, a sum that he has since doubled.
Asked to comment on the statement from the MMDA that the money will not be distributed to the traffic enforces but will go to the agency’s General Fund, Lizada said this does not cure the conflict with RA 6713.
“An agency’s General Fund comes from the DBM (Department of Budget and Management). I am trying to imagine if other people would express their gratitude by depositing money to augment the GF. So now there is another source of money coming in where there shouldn’t be. Our traffic enforcers, like all of us government workers, are already paid by the taxpayers. You don’t have to reward us for doing our work,” she stressed.
She likewise urged local government units and some of the 3,429 public offices in Metro Manila to help find ways to ease traffic congestion on EDSA and other major roads by adopting various forms of flexible work arrangements.
She noted that being trapped in traffic during the hottest months of the year is difficult for workers, especially those who are suffering from asthma, hypertension, and similar conditions.
Lizada pointed out that there are 440,009 government employees in Metro Manila, including 65,693 who hold jobs in various local government units and 145,096 who were hired as job order or contract of service personnel.
She pointed out that by implementing variations of flexi-work systems like working from home, staggered work-shift hours, and compressed work week, thousands of government workers would be able to render work without adding to the crush of commuters in NCR.
“We are reaching out to different government agencies. Perhaps you can study what system would work best. We at CSC can give you technical assistance,” Lizada said.
REWARD DOUBLED
Singson yesterday increased to P200,000 the reward to MMDA traffic enforcers who flagged down his convoy last week for unauthorized use of the EDSA Bus Carousel Lane.
Singson turned over the amount to the MMDA yesterday when he visited the agency’s main office in Pasig City.
“I am here to pay the penalty but I will also give an incentive to the traffic enforcers. We have a law prohibiting it and I might be accused of bribing them but I will still give the incentive and it’s up to the MMDA to see fit where to spend the amount,” Singson said.
He said the amount was properly received by the accounting office of the MMDA and a receipt was issued.
“This cash prize could also be used as a support and improvement to the system of MMDA,” Singson added.
In a press briefing, MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said there were no strings attached to Singson’s “donation,” adding he would still be apprehended for any traffic violation in the future.
“The P200,000 given by former governor Chavit will go to the MMDA general fund. It will not be distributed to any individual or group here and it would be considered as a donation to the agency,” Artes said.
“No strings attached, without any concession to the former governor. He will still be apprehended if his vehicle will use the busway since there is no exemption to the policy. Regardless if he donated or not, there is no special treatment here,” Artes said.
The agency earlier said Singson was apologetic and did not resist or question the infraction of his drivers who were issued traffic violation tickets. — With Ashzel Hachero
