Question & AnswerQ&A (BFP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2009-15)
It applies to all Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Non-Uniformed Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The BFP adheres to the constitutional policy that public office is a public trust and that public officials must serve with responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency.
Protected disclosure is the deliberate and voluntary disclosure by an official or employee who has relevant information about a wrongdoing committed by any BFP personnel, supported by credible evidence.
Wrongdoings include acts or omissions prejudicial to the government and service such as those contrary to laws, rules or regulations; unreasonable, unjust, unfair, oppressive or discriminatory acts; and undue or improper exercise of powers.
A whistleblower is an official or employee who makes a protected disclosure to the Internal Affairs Services or directly to the Chief, BFP.
Whistleblowers are protected against administrative cases arising from their disclosure, can request for temporary reassignment to avoid harassment, and cannot be subjected to discriminatory actions such as punitive transfer, reprimand, or adverse performance reports.
No. Whistleblowers are not deemed to have breached confidentiality if their disclosure is a protected one, even if an oath or rule requires confidentiality.
The disclosure must be made voluntarily in writing and under oath; pertain to matters not yet investigated or charged unless necessary; the whistleblower must assist in proceedings; and the information must contain sufficient particulars supported by evidence.
Disclosures made in official investigations by the person; malicious or groundless disclosures; disclosures concerning office policy unless illegal; false or misleading disclosures; and disclosures later retracted by the whistleblower.
They shall be liable for Simple Misconduct.
Disclosures against the Chief, Deputy Chiefs, or Chief of Directorial Staff are reported to the IAS which evaluates and endorses the case to DILG, while disclosures against the Chief, IAS, or Hearing Officer are reported directly to the Chief, BFP who will designate special investigators.
They are compelled to testify in any proceedings arising from such protected disclosure.
They shall be liable for Dishonesty under CSC Resolution No. 991936.
Yes, including commendation, promotion, moral and spiritual support, psychological advice, and legal assistance.
The burden of proving retaliation lies on the accused person, not the whistleblower.