DOJ warns public vs unauthorized solicitation

FILE: “Anyone who will be the subject of such unauthorized solicitation should immediately report to my office at the Office of the Secretary,” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said in a statement. (PCOO Photo)

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday warned the public against unscrupulous people using the name of the agency for unauthorized solicitation.

“Anyone who will be the subject of such unauthorized solicitation should immediately report to my office at the Office of the Secretary,” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said in a statement.

Aguirre said that he holds outreach programs for some chosen beneficiaries, particularly in his hometown in Mulanay or my province in Quezon.

“The costs of such programs are personally borne by me and my family with the help of some well meaning friends who directly offer to me their assistance or contributions,” he said in statement.

“I have not authorized any representative or intermediary to solicit on my behalf for whatever project or activity,” he added.

Aguirre urged the public to report these activities to his office at DOJ for appropriate and immediate action at landline number 02-526-2618.

“We shall treat all information provided with utmost confidentiality. Any perpetrator caught shall be fully dealt with in accordance with our laws.,” Aguirre stressed.

Solicitation involving public official and employees is prohibited under Presidential Decree 46 and a corresponding action will be imposed who will be found committing such violation.

The Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 3019 Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Presidential Decree 46.

Prohibited by law is the act of receiving any gift “from a person other than a member of the public officer’s immediate family… even on the occasion of a family celebration or national festivity like Christmas, if the value of the gift is under the circumstances manifestly excessive.”

Penalties may range from one to five years in prison, perpetual disqualification from public office, and other accessory penalties.