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CSC reminds gov’t offices: Hold simple, alcohol-free Christmas parties


The Civil Service Commission on Tuesday reminded government offices to hold simple Christmas parties this holiday season.

In an interview, CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada particularly cited a 2011 CSC resolution that prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages within government premises during office hours.

“Number 1, bawal ho yung mga alcohol within government offices, premises. So kahit na sa parking lot or yung mga nasa field offices. Exceptions lang po, kung may mga ceremonial toast,” Lizada told GMA News.

In case the Christmas party will be conducted during office hours, “Dapat meron ho tayong skeletal force na naiiwan para maasikaso rin yung mga pumupunta sa ating opisina,” Lizada added.

She also said expenses for the Christmas party usually come from the government agency’s budget.

“Usually they allocate a certain amount for ganitong klaseng celebration. But it has to be within COA (Commission on Audit) guidelines. Kasi magbi-bidding ka ng pagkain. Huwag ho exorbitant, huwag unnecessary expenditures. Just a simple celebration,” Lizada said.

Even raffle prizes are taken from the agency’s allocations.

When asked if government agencies may solicit raffle prizes from the private sector, Lizada replied, “Yan po ang bawal na bawal. You will fall under Republic Act 3019. A government official or employee, we are not allowed to solicit directly or indirectly. And any solicitation letter ho na sinusulat is one anti graft case.”

In the midst of merriment, Lizada said we should also be mindful of what our fellow countrymen are going through.

“With what’s going on in Mindanao, it’s also good na we tone down a bit. And baka nga yung ibang expenses na ina-allocate natin sa Christmas party natin ay puwede nating i-allocate para sa kanila,” she said. — RSJ, GMA News 

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