Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act overview

"Government" includes the national and local governments, government-owned and controlled corporations, and all instrumentalities of the Republic.
"Public officer" refers to elective and appointive officials and employees, permanent or temporary, compensated by the government.
"Receiving any gift" includes accepting, directly or indirectly, gifts from non-family members, for oneself or relatives within the fourth civil degree, especially if the gift is manifestly excessive.
"Person" covers both natural and juridical entities unless context indicates otherwise.

Several unlawful acts by public officers constitute corrupt practices, including:

Persuading or being persuaded to violate laws or rules related to official duties.
Requesting or receiving gifts or benefits connected to government contracts or permits.
Employing family members in private enterprises that have pending transactions with the public officer.
Causing undue injury to any party or granting unwarranted benefits through misconduct.
Neglecting duties for personal gain or favoring interests improperly.
Entering into government contracts that are grossly disadvantageous.
Having financial interest in business related to official functions or prohibited by law.
Approving benefits or licenses unlawfully.
Disclosing confidential information improperly.
Parties involved in giving gifts or employing relatives as described are also punishable and may be disqualified from government transactions.

It is unlawful for persons with family or close personal ties to a public official to exploit such relationship to solicit or receive advantages in transactions involving the government.
Close personal relation includes close friendship, social or professional connections that assure access to the official.
It is also illegal to induce public officials to commit corrupt acts as defined.

Spouses and relatives within the third civil degree of the President, Vice-President, Senate President, and House Speaker are prohibited from intervening in government business transactions, subject to specific exceptions.

Members of Congress may not acquire personal interests in businesses that benefit from laws or resolutions they authored or recommended during their term.
Holding such interests prior to the enactment must be divested within 30 days after approval.

Public officers must file sworn statements of assets, liabilities, income sources, expenses, and taxes at specified intervals, including upon assumption and termination of office.
Exceptions for those assuming office close to year-end are provided.

Acquisition of properties or money manifestly disproportionate to lawful income during incumbency is grounds for dismissal.
Consideration extends to properties in the name of spouses and unmarried children.
Bank deposits shall be considered despite laws on secrecy.

Violators face imprisonment (1 to 10 years), perpetual disqualification from public office, and forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth.
Complainants may recover amounts given to the accused.
Violations regarding asset declaration may result in fines or imprisonment and administrative dismissal.

Prosecutions under this Act fall under the original jurisdiction of the proper Courts of First Instance until otherwise provided.

Public officers cannot resign or retire while under investigation or prosecution for offenses under this Act or bribery provisions of the Revised Penal Code.

Public officers charged under this Act or bribery provisions shall be suspended.
Conviction results in loss of retirement and gratuity benefits.
Acquittal entitles reinstatement and back pay, subject to administrative proceedings.

Unsolicited gifts or tokens with small or insignificant value as per local customs are exempted.
Legitimate practice of professions or lawful trade by public officers is not prohibited, unless involving conspiracy to commit offenses.

Invalidity of any provision or its application will not affect the remainder of the Act.

The Act took effect upon approval.
All property acquired by a public officer since assuming office is considered for unexplained wealth determination.