Summary
RMO No. 28-2014 amends the Revised Code of Conduct for Revenue Officials and Employees (RMO No. 53-2010) with policies to protect the BIR against tobacco industry interference, following Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2010-01 of the Civil Service Commission and Department of Health.
Key points
- Limited interaction. Interaction with the tobacco industry is limited to what is strictly necessary for its regulation. Any strictly necessary meeting must follow the rules in the Order.
- Declaring and divesting interests. Officials and employees must declare any interest in the tobacco industry. They must resign from a tobacco industry position within thirty (30) days from assuming office, and divest shareholdings or interests within sixty (60) days.
- No contributions. They may not demand or receive any contribution from the tobacco industry for themselves, families, relatives, friends or other persons or organizations. Contributions include payments, gifts, services, research funding, financial aid, policy drafts and legal advice.
- Avoiding perceptions of partnership. They must avoid creating any perception of real or potential partnership with the tobacco industry, and publicly correct any perception that arises.
- Tobacco control roles. Those with a role in setting or implementing tobacco-control health policy must inform their Chiefs of Office about any intention to work in the tobacco industry within a specified period after leaving service. They must also require applicants for such positions to declare any current or previous occupational activity in the industry.
- Penalty. Non-compliance is Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service and a Grave Offense, without prejudice to criminal and civil actions.
Who is affected
- Revenue officials and employees
Deadlines and effectivity
- Issued July 28, 2014
- Resign from tobacco industry position within 30 days of assuming office
- Divest interests within 60 days of assuming office
Summary by Tax Resources PH. It is not a substitute for the full text of the issuance or professional advice.
Copies of BIR issuances are hosted here for reference. For the official version, check bir.gov.ph. Summaries by Tax Resources PH are not a substitute for the full text or professional advice.