Definition and Scope of Request for Assistance (RAS)
- RAS refers to grievances or concerns seeking redress or public assistance.
- Does not necessarily constitute a criminal, administrative, or forfeiture complaint.
- The Ombudsman Office intervenes within its powers and jurisdiction.
- Other forms of public assistance such as oath administration, providing advice, or referrals do not qualify as RAS.
Docketing Procedures
- Area/Sectoral Offices coordinate guidelines for prompt evaluation and docketing of RAS and other assistance forms.
- Guidelines require Ombudsman final approval.
- Central Office, via Central Records Division, refers matters to Public Assistance Bureau for evaluation and docketing.
- Requests received by Public Assistance Bureau through various means are docketed and assigned evaluators.
- Complaints distinct from RAS referred back to Central Records Division.
- RAS assigned docket numbers; other assistance forms given internal references.
- RAS are not to be consolidated with regular Ombudsman complaints.
- Maintenance of an RAS database is mandatory for monitoring and reporting.
Authority and Jurisdiction for Handling RAS
- Public Assistance Bureau or unit in central, area, or sectoral offices handles RAS.
- Requests involving uniformed or law enforcement personnel handled by the area office where filed for geographical and prompt response considerations.
Urgent Action Prior to Referral and Docketing
- Receiving offices may initiate urgent interim responses before docketing and referring the RAS for appropriate action.
Handling of Copy-Furnished Documents
- Copies of written requests or documents addressed to other entities are not docketed as RAS.
- Within the legally prescribed period, the Office shall:
- Acknowledge receipt of the document.
- Inquire from the addressee about action taken, with copy to sender.
- Refer the document internally as appropriate, copying the sender.
Procedures for Action on RAS
- Initial action on docketed RAS must be taken within three (3) working days by the assigned action officer.
- Public Assistance Bureau/unit may arrange conferences between the requester and concerned officials to resolve the matter.
- Conference notices must be signed by the bureau director or unit head.
- For RAS referred to other government agencies, the requester must receive copies of the referral.
- Monitoring of agency action is required.
- If no response within 30 days (personal service) or 45 days (registered mail), a tracer with warning is sent citing R.A. 6770 Section 26, paragraph 4.
- Lack of action within 30 days after tracer prompts recommendation for administrative case filing by fact-finding bureau.
- All actions on RAS should be concluded within 90 calendar days from receipt.
Preparation and Submission of RAS Final Report
- Action officer must prepare the report within two (2) days after 90-day period or sooner if resolution is reached.
- The report includes:
- Nature of request
- Actions taken
- Details of approval/denial and recommended directives or actions
- Submission to proper officer for approval is required.
- Approved reports and feedback form must be furnished to the requester.
Transitory Provisions for Pending RAS
- All RAS pending beyond 90 days at the time of effectivity must be resolved within 30 calendar days.
- Monitoring of compliance by directors or heads of Public Assistance Bureaus/Units.
- Quarterly statistical reports submitted to the Ombudsman.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals or modifies Rule IV of Administrative Order No. 07 (1990) as amended.
- Repeals or modifies all prior inconsistent issuances.
Effectivity Clause
- Memorandum Circular effective June 1, 2013.
- Effective 15 days after publication in a general circulation newspaper.
- Requires filing of three certified copies with the University of the Philippines Law Center.