Mc Richard Paglicawan
Senator Robin Padilla expressed his support for Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo’s implementation of a comprehensive “No Gift Policy” across all city government offices, saying that Vice President Sara Duterte practices the same ethical standard during her official trips abroad.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Padilla said he and other public officials have also been declining gifts from supporters, aligning with the principle of maintaining integrity and transparency in public service.
“Ganito rin si VP Inday Sara Duterte,” Padilla wrote. “Paulit-ulit na sinasabi ng staff niya sa lahat ng aming pinupuntahan sa abroad — no gift policy.”
He added that both officials share the same approach — discouraging the giving or acceptance of tokens, favors, or free meals while performing their official duties.
“Kaya mga kababayan, ‘wag po kayong sasama ang loob kapag hindi ko po kinukuha ang inaabot po ninyo,” Padilla said. “Ganon din po sa mga nais manglibre sa restaurant, hindi po ako isnub — natural lang po na hindi ako pumayag kapag sinasabi na ilibre kita.”
The actor-turned-lawmaker admitted, however, that some generous Filipinos abroad still find ways to extend their appreciation despite his polite refusals.
“Maraming salamat po, wala na akong magagawa kung kasing bilis niyo si FPJ bumunot,” he joked.
Mayor Robredo earlier signed Executive Order No. 58, institutionalizing the No Gift Policy throughout the Naga City government.
Under the order, all local offices are required to display visible policy reminders in entrances and public areas and to include the prohibition in all contracts, bid documents, and official correspondence.
Robredo said the initiative reinforces the city’s long-standing commitment to ethical governance, accountability, and transparency.
“The institutionalization of a comprehensive ‘No Gift Policy’ is a safeguard against conflicts of interest, corruption, and even the appearance of partiality or undue influence,” Robredo said in a statement.
The No Gift Policy is rooted in Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which prohibits government workers from soliciting or accepting gifts, favors, loans, or anything of monetary value in connection with the performance of their duties.
By drawing parallels between Robredo’s local directive and Duterte’s national example, Padilla emphasized that ethical leadership transcends politics and must remain a shared responsibility among public servants.
“Ang serbisyo publiko ay hindi para sa pabuya o pabor,” Padilla said. “Ito ay tungkulin at karangalan na dapat gampanan nang may respeto at integridad.”
