Background and Rationale
- The policy was adopted to comply with GCG circulars governing corporate governance for Government Owned or Controlled Corporations.
- GSIS's No Gift Policy was originally approved on October 24, 2013, and submitted to GCG for evaluation.
- Amendments were necessary to fully comply with GCG MC 2012-07 and MC 2013-05.
Definitions
- Gift: Any thing or right gratuitously given, includes simulated sales; excludes unsolicited gifts of nominal or insignificant value not given in anticipation of favors.
- Benefit: Any right, privilege, entertainment, advantage, exemption, or similar liberality.
- Receiving any gift: Accepting gifts from parties other than immediate family that are manifestly excessive.
- Gift Register: A record maintained of gifts received by GSIS officials and employees.
- Compliance Officer: Individual designated by the Board of Trustees (BOT) to ensure compliance with relevant laws and policies.
Objective
- To provide clear guidelines to GSIS officials and employees on the handling of gifts received from individuals or entities.
Scope/Coverage
- Applies to all GSIS officials and employees regardless of appointment status.
Policies
Prohibited Acts
- Soliciting gifts, favors, or benefits from stakeholders directly or indirectly is prohibited.
- Accepting gifts or favors that may influence or appear to influence official functions is prohibited.
Exceptions
- Token gifts, plaques, awards, certificates, souvenirs, and tokens of courtesy or appreciation are allowed if appropriate to the occasion and not influential.
- Institutional gifts, grants, scholarships, travels, training related to equipment use, and GSIS-originated gifts during celebrations are exempt.
Gift Register
- Must be maintained in various GSIS offices to record gifts received.
- Recipients must register the gift regardless of value and sign receipt.
- Register entries include date, description, estimated value, recipient, giver’s details, and disposition of the gift.
Responsibilities
- Heads of offices/units maintain gift registers and submit annual reports to the Compliance Officer.
- Compliance Officer consolidates reports and submits to the BOT, including conflict of interest instances and action propriety.
- Corporate Communications Office disseminates policy information to all stakeholders and posts the policy conspicuously.
- GSIS officials and employees must inform stakeholders of the policy and request respect for its provisions.
Violations and Penalties
- Violations referred to the Prosecution and Quasi-Judicial Cases Department for investigation and disciplinary action.
- Enforcement subject to RA 6713, RA 3019, Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, and other applicable laws.
Implementation
- The amended No Gift Policy takes effect immediately upon approval and signing on July 17, 2014.