Wednesday, October 04, 2006 Gov't workers told to serve public sans reproach
SERVICE, modest lifestyle, commitment and professionalism are qualities that a public servant must continue to possess, said a Sandiganbayan justice during the celebration of the 106th Civil Service Commission (CSC) founding anniversary here on Tuesday.
Amid issues on red tape and corruption in the bureaucracy, Associate Justice Teresita Diaz-Baldos asked government employees to remain firm in their sworn duties of serving the public albeit unrecognized.
And while negative publicity regarding government personnel, whether elected or appointed, often become the highlight in the media, Baldos said government personnel that veer away from their sworn duties should also be held accountable.
"The law imposes a heavy burden on public servants who are called upon to discharge their duties relentlessly and unselfishly. Quite a tall order indeed, but there is no way to follow these precepts if public servants are to be what they should be," Baldos told City Hall employees.
While aware that compensation is low and benefits are minimal, Baldos said this should not be a reason for government employees to lose their dedication.
"Being a government employee is not an easy task and is not for profit. It entails hard work and sacrifice, available only to those who are willing to yield private interest for the common good. The benefits are minimal but ironically, the responsibilities are tremendous," she stressed.
"We have to live with many prohibitions," Baldos said, reiterating that rules imposed on government employees such as prohibition on giving undue favors on account of a particular office or relatives, or ostentatious display of wealth.
"Precise standards are exacted from the public servants that generally are not demanded from ordinary citizens. But let not the meager compensation deter you from adhering to the principles of good public service," said Baldos, adding a government workforce adhering to the principles of public service above self would change the "rotten image" attached to government employees. (RO)
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