Law Summary
Purpose
- Prescribes policies and guidelines for giving and acceptance of gifts and mementos by PNP units/personnel during PNP activities and ceremonies
Scope
- Applies to all personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP)
- Covers:
- Gifts/benefits received by the PNP as an institution from other offices or organizations including grants/donations
- Cash/material rewards or prizes given by the PNP to personnel during Anniversary and Christmas
- Gifts exchanged among PNP members/units during Christmas
- Performance-based rewards such as cash, scholarships, and similar benefits granted by government or private organizations
Definition of Terms
- Gift: Gratuitous thing or right disposed; includes simulated sale or ostensibly onerous disposition
- Memento and Souvenir: Unsolicited gifts of nominal value given as a diplomatic or courtesy gesture, not in exchange for favors
- Receiving Gifts: Accepting directly or indirectly a gift from non-family members
- Benefit: Right, privilege, entertainment, exemption, or similar acts of liberality
Policies on Accepting/Receiving Gifts
- PNP members shall not accept gifts or benefits that may influence or appear to influence their official actions
- No acceptance of fees/remunerations beyond what is legally entitled
- Acceptable gifts include plaques, certificates, souvenirs as tokens of appreciation during official events provided no influence is intended
- Members receiving mementos must inform Administrative Officers
- Administrative Officers maintain a registry of mementos/souvenirs with details: giver, date, recipient, occasion, and description
- Mementos accepted must:
- Be tokens during official visits
- Have minimal value (low-cost promotional)
- Comply with courtesy, hospitality, or protocol standards
- Not compromise PNP integrity
- Acts constituting graft or corrupt practices will be dealt with under R.A. 3019
Policies on Giving Gifts and Mementos
- PNP units may give one memento during official visits to symbolize appreciation
- Gifts to visitors during activities must be minimal in value, locally produced, customary, unwrapped
- PNP personnel may exchange nominal gifts (up to P500) among themselves appropriate to the occasion
- Emergency contributions/assistance among personnel allowed in cases of death, illness, or similar situations
Responsibilities
- Directors, Heads of Offices, Chiefs, Commanders are responsible for strict implementation
- Administrative Officers submit quarterly reports of received mementos/souvenirs to the Office of the Chief Directorial Staff
Penalty Clause
- Violations subject to disciplinary action
- Possible criminal charges if warranted
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent existing PNP issuances repealed, set aside, amended or modified accordingly
Effectivity
- Circular effective 15 days after filing a copy with the University of the Philippines Law Center as per applicable administrative codes
Signed by Police Director General Avelino I. Razon Jr. on 14 May 2008.