Procedure for Complaints vs. Gov't Officials

Executive Order No. 264 requires that the general public be informed or reminded of the procedure provided by law and regulations for presenting and prosecuting complaints against public officials and employees.
Executive Order No. 264 targets complaint delays caused by failure to observe formal requisites, to state charges with sufficient clearness and particularity, and to file with the proper office or authority.
Executive Order No. 264 promotes resolution of many complaints or grievances at lower government levels if parties observe the applicable legal and regulatory provisions.
Executive Order No. 264 preserves the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression while ensuring that officials and employees receive the opportunity to defend themselves under prescribed procedure.

Complaints against public officials and employees must be in writing.
Complaints must be subscribed and sworn to by the complainants.
Complaints must describe the acts or conduct complained of in sufficient detail and particularity.
Complaints must avoid generalizations and instead provide sufficiently detailed and particular allegations.

Complaints against presidential appointees must be filed with the Office of the President or with the Department Head having direct supervision or control over the official involved.
Complaints against subordinate officials and employees must be lodged with the proper department or agency head.
Complaints against elective local officials must be filed with the Office of the President for provincial and city officials.
Complaints against elective local officials must be filed with the provincial governor or board secretary for municipal officials.
Complaints against elective local officials must be filed with the municipal or city mayor or secretary for barrio officials.
Complaints against members of police forces must be filed with the corresponding local board of investigators headed by the city or municipal treasurer.
Complaints against police forces appointed by the President must be filed with the Office of the President.

Complaints must be promptly acted upon and disposed of by the officials or authorities concerned.
Disposal must be in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations.
The prompt action requirement is intended to enable soonest removal or discipline of erring officials or employees.
The prompt action requirement is intended to enable innocent persons to be exonerated or vindicated in like manner.
After administrative remedies shall have been exhausted, other remedies—including court action—may be pursued forthwith by the interested parties.