Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has issued a "no solicitation of gift policy," barring officials and personnel from seeking money or gifts during the holiday season.

This was the directive of Catapang to all BuCor commissioned and non-commissioned officers, and employees, including those under service contracts, to abstain from soliciting gifts, be they monetary or in-kind, during the Christmas season's celebration.    

The prohibition applies to interactions related to official business with Persons Deprived of Liberty and their families or relatives, private enterprises, and the general public, a BuCor Facebook post said.

Under Sec. 7 (d) of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, "public officials and employees shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office."

Section 3 of Republic Act 3109, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, provides that the following, among other acts or omissions, are declared to be unlawful:

Directly or indirectly requesting or receiving any gift, present, share, percentage, or benefit, for himself or any other person, in connection with any contract or transaction between the Government and any other party, wherein the public officer in his official capacity has to intervene under the law;" and directly or indirectly requesting or receiving any gift, present, or other pecuniary or material benefit, for himself or another, from any person for whom the public officer, in any manner or capacity, has secured or obtained, or will secure or obtain, any Government permit or license, in consideration for help given or to be provided.