Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2007-0043)
The purpose is to implement and support the fight against graft and corruption by establishing additional rules on gifts and benefits that might be given to DOH officials and employees to uphold honesty, integrity, and public trust.
These rules apply to all officials and employees of the offices and hospitals of the Department of Health.
A 'gift' refers to money or a material object in whatever form given to a recipient, including a simulated sale or disposition of any material object or property onerous to the giver and/or unduly beneficial to the recipient.
No, DOH officials and employees shall not solicit, directly or indirectly, any gift or benefit for themselves or others regardless of cost unless approved by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
They may accept gifts and/or benefits from individuals not prohibited under Section 5, and gifts valued at P10,000 or more must be recorded in the Registry Book of Gifts. Token gifts exchanged among officials on appropriate occasions are also allowed under certain conditions.
They cannot accept gifts or benefits from tobacco or milk companies, bidders or contractors with DOH, individuals applying for DOH authorization, parties transacting business with DOH, individuals involved in investigations or cases before DOH, among others listed in Section 5.
Prohibited gifts must be immediately returned to the giver or, if impractical to return (such as perishable goods), handed over to the head of agency or Administrative Service Director to dispose of the item for charitable purposes and notify the giver in writing.
Violations are grounds for disciplinary action and possible administrative or criminal charges against the erring official or employee.
Donations may be received provided they are covered by appropriate agreements or receipts, given to DOH hospitals for indigent patients or health campaigns, and reports on use must be submitted to the head of agency and accounting units.
Yes, DOH officials/employees may accept such tokens appropriate to the occasion when invited as speakers or lecturers, provided these are not reasonably perceived as intended to influence official functions.