Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 3019)
The policy is to repress certain acts of public officers and private persons alike which constitute graft or corrupt practices or which may lead thereto, in line with the principle that a public office is a public trust.
The term 'Government' includes the national government, local governments, government-owned and controlled corporations, and all other instrumentalities or agencies of the Republic of the Philippines and their branches. 'Public officer' includes elective and appointive officials and employees, permanent or temporary, whether in the classified or unclassified or exempt service, receiving any compensation from the government.
Corrupt practices include persuading another official to violate rules, receiving gifts connected to government contracts or permits, family members accepting employment in related private enterprises, causing undue injury or benefiting private parties unjustly, neglecting to act for personal gain, entering disadvantageous contracts, having financial interest in contracts they intervene in, divulging confidential information, among others.
They shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than ten years, perpetual disqualification from public office, and confiscation or forfeiture of prohibited interests and unexplained wealth manifestly disproportionate to their salary and lawful income.
Family relation includes the spouse or relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the third civil degree. Close personal relations include friendships, social, fraternal, and professional connections that assure free access to the public officer.
No, it is unlawful for members of Congress during their term to acquire or receive any personal pecuniary interest in business enterprises that will be directly favored by any law or resolution they authored or recommended that was approved during the same term.
Every public officer shall file a true, detailed, and sworn statement of assets and liabilities, income, expenses, and taxes paid within 30 days after the approval of the Act or assumption of office, every January thereafter, upon expiration of term, resignation, or separation from office.
This shall be ground for dismissal or removal under Section 8 of the Act. Properties in the name of the spouse and unmarried children will also be considered if their acquisition cannot be satisfactorily explained.
No public officer shall be allowed to resign or retire pending any investigation or prosecution for offenses under this Act or the Revised Penal Code on bribery.
They shall be suspended from office; if convicted by final judgment, they lose retirement or gratuity benefits; if acquitted, they are entitled to reinstatement and back salaries unless administrative proceedings have been filed.
Yes, unsolicited gifts or presents of small or insignificant value given as ordinary tokens of gratitude or friendship according to local customs are exempt from the provisions of this Act.