What should public officials do if approached for a favor in return for a gift?

Public officials must adhere to ethical standards that prohibit the acceptance of gifts in exchange for favors, as outlined in R.A. No. 6713. When approached for a favor in return for a gift, the correct action for public officials is to report the incident to the appropriate authority or office. This ensures transparency and accountability in public service and helps maintain the integrity of the office.

Reporting such requests is essential for several reasons. It protects the official from potential accusations of misconduct or corruption and demonstrates a commitment to ethical governance. Additionally, it enables the agency or office to address any inappropriate behavior and possibly take action to prevent future occurrences, thereby upholding the ethical standards expected of public servants.

Accepting the gift or simply declining it does not address the underlying issue of unethical behavior and could potentially lead to reciprocal obligations or a compromised position. Ignoring the request is also inadequate, as it may allow unethical practices to go unreported and unchallenged. Thus, reporting it to the office aligns with the principles of accountability and ethical conduct mandated by the Code.