CASE STUDY #4: PICK ME UP

As public servants, PDIC Directors, officer and employees adhere to the principle that public office is a public trust and promote a high standard of ethics in public service. The Corporation requires that all Directors, officers and employees practice and demonstrate equal treatment, unbiased professionalism, and non-discriminatory actions in the performance of their duties and functions without any undue favor or reward. (http://www.pdic.gov.ph/files/CGO/NGP-Sept.pdf)

Anciently, gift giving is a way to express gratitude, appreciation and love. Is it based on a philosophy or reciprocity, relating to the phrase, “What goes around comes around” While gifts are actually just a gesture of goodwill for the things done, overly generous business gifts tend to put pressure on the recipient to extend or favor the giver. Thus, there is now a thin line between giving and bribery.

Gift giving, to public officials seems to be or related to bribery in which our moral views are changing because it can create the perception of undue influence. Ronnie is in a situation of accepting the money given by his client, Ms. Santos, for the prompt and speedy action of Ronnie to act on the transaction leading to the awarding of the property to Ms. Santos. For Ms. Santos, it is just a token of gratitude for Ronnie.

Now let us try posing some questions which is now becoming an issue to professional ethics: What is the difference between a gift and a bribe? A gift is something of value given without asking anything in return; a bribe is the same with the hope to influence or benefit something in return.  

Does Ms. Santos gift-giving really is sincere or is she hoping to do transactions again with Ronnie and expect for fast results? Is her intentions purely an act of gratitude or is she drawing a line between permissible and impermissible actions?

If I were Ronnie, a geodetic engineer, in need of money because the salary I receive is not enough for the needs of my family or even my own need – I will not accept the gift. Why? Here are some reasons that I would like to give emphasis on:

(1) During our flag ceremony at the office, we recite the Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno, stated there, “Hindi ako hihingi o tatanggap ng suhol” (I will not ask or receive any bribe), am I not breaching my own pledge to be a good public servant whose main concern is to serve the public promptly, courteously and adequately without accepting any gifts or solicit directly or indirectly? I will do the government agency a favor and the government itself by declining the envelope with money while saying, “Trabaho ko po ito, salamat po pero hindi ko yan matatanggap.” (This is my job, thank you but I cannot accept that.)

(2) Accepting the gift can be considered as a part of a business relationship but in this situation, accepting it can cause a serious defiance of business and professional ethics, and a violation of the law set by the Civil Service. Clearly, it is unethical and in some instances illegal especially when the main intent is to buy favor with the next transactions. Giving gifts or doing any favor to influence outcomes ultimately undermines trust – whether in the company or within myself.

(3) I worked hard to establish credibility and trust within my company and with my colleagues, to other clients that I might have business with in the future and most importantly, with my family. Credibility and trust are two most important things in my service which are built around accountability, professionalism, justness and sincerity. If accepting a gift or attending any event with the intention to undermine my credibility or creates the appearance of impropriety, then it is a big no!

But I will approach Ms. Santos and thank her for appreciating the efforts that I have exerted to finish her transaction at the soonest possible time. Also, I will really give emphasis on her words, “I am very happy that there are civil servants like you who do things promptly and effectively”, for me, those words are more than any gifts or money that anyone can have.

The feeling that someone was really very pleased with the amount of work that I have done is satisfying and heartwarming at the same time. The emotion of true happiness will always be treasured because I made a client joyous and she was with a light heart the moment that she leaves the office.

There are code of ethics for different professions, companies, organizations and the like. We can avoid embarrassment and unnecessary expense by knowing and acknowledging these codes so that we can be properly guided.

Bribery has a long history but we should not allow it to change our moral concepts. Yes, these are temptations that makes us think twice or can make us break, but we must really remember the main purpose which is to be good public servants. Anything that is increasingly viewed as a shameful act and something that we will never be proud of is never good.