Liquor consumption
in government offices prohibited, CSC reminds
By Philippine Information
Agency (PIA 8)
May 27, 2013
GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo,
Leyte – Officials and employees who are caught in the act of consuming
intoxicating liquor and other alcoholic beverages during office hours,
as well as those who will be reporting for work under the influence of
alcohol, shall be held liable for Misconduct which is punishable by
suspension for one to six months for the first offense, and dismissal
from service on the second offense.
The pronouncement was made
by the Civil Service Commission as it reiterated the prohibition on
the consumption of alcoholic beverages in government offices.
CSC Region 8 Director
Attorney Raymund Gonzales said that pursuant to CSC Resolution No.
1100039, the consumption of alcoholic beverages such as, but not
limited to, malt, wine, and intoxicating liquor in workplace among
government officials and employees during office hours is prohibited.
He said that the mere
consumption of alcoholic beverages in the workplace during office
hours, as well as reporting for work while under the influence of
alcohol, is considered as an administrative offense, separate and
distinct from the offense of habitual drunkenness.
Director Gonzales clarified
that the consumption of alcoholic beverages may be allowed during
programs and rituals such as ceremonial toasts and observance honoring
of local customs and traditions.
During such instances, the
alcoholic beverage must be limited to malt and wine, and the
consumption shall not result to intoxication. Director Gonzales
explained that intoxication is defined as, “the impairment of a
person’s mental faculties ensuing to the loss of control over his/her
behavior and/or actions.”
Both the head of office and
the officials or employees concerned will be held liable should an
untoward incident happen as a result of such consumption, Director
Gonzales said.