DOTr workers who will accept gifts, favors to be fired

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade during a Senate hearing. PHOTO FROM SENATOR GRACE POE’S OFFICE)

MANILA — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has warned officials and employees of his agency that they will  be sacked from their posts if they are caught accepting gifts and favors from government contractors this Christmas season.

To avoid tainting the legitimacy of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) projects, Tugade said that he has reminded employees of the agency of laws prohibiting them from accepting or soliciting gifts from individuals and groups, such as potential vendors or suppliers. He added that the strict implementation of these rules would help maintain the DOTr’s high standard of ethics in public service.

“Turn down all types of gifts even if these were given to you voluntarily [this Christmas],” Tugade said at Monday’s flag-raising ceremony. “I have a way of knowing it. You can’t accept gifts [from government contractors] in the office, parking lot or in your house.”

He said he would be “unforgiving” to those who would not abide by his order, as he threatened immediate termination, under existing government rules, such as Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Presidential Decree No. 46, s. 1972 (Making it Punishable to Receive, and for Private Persons to Give Gifts on Any Occasion, Including Christmas).  SFM/rga