Customs lays down anti-nepotism rules

The BOC released CAO 03-2014 laying down the anti-nepotism rules on appointments and designations within the agency.

The order augments the rules on nepotism laid down in Section 59, Book V of the Revised Administrative Code of 1987 (also known as Executive Order 292) and other laws of Civil Service regulations.

“I think this is a step in the right direction as we try to wipe out the culture of corruption that has plagued the bureau since time immemorial,” Customs Commissioner John Sevilla said. (READ: Customs: A year after SONA shaming)

According to the policy, no relative, of up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, of a current BOC officer or employee whether regular, temporary, or casual can be appointed or designated to any position in the bureau.

Exempted are relatives who are already holding positions in the agency, at the time of the effectivity of the order.

“I am not saying that those with relatives working in the bureau are corrupt but we are eradicating any suspicion on our employees,” Sevilla clarified.

However, they cannot be promoted, designated, assigned, or detailed to any BOC office, service or section in which a relative is also holding office.

In addition, all existing employees in the same office, service, or section who are related to each other within the fourth degree of consanguinity shall be re-assigned or transferred to a separate office, service, or section subject to specific guidelines to be promulgated by the commissioner and applicable with Civil Service laws.

“The policy will prevent conflict of interest or even the appearance of conflict of interest in the performance of BOC employees’ duties and responsibilities,” Sevilla said.

The anti-nepotism policy is aimed to promote integrity, professionalism and work excellence among bureau employees, Sevilla said.

With the effectivity of the CAO, persons applying for a position in the agency shall now disclose under oath, in his or her application, the identities of relatives who are currently working in BOC.

“We have already made progress in our fight against corruption like in the filing of administrative cases against 16 BOC employees. Now we are putting policies that will further nip corruption in the bud,” Sevilla added. – Rappler.com

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