Dear PAO,

I was raised by my aunt since I was in grade school. Though I am already working to help her out, we are still experiencing financial difficulties brought by the pandemic. My aunt has been a civil servant for as long as I can remember. Anyway, one of the clients of their office learned about her financial predicament and offered her a loan. My aunt does not feel right about it. While we really need money now, she is not sure if it is allowed. Is there a law that prohibits this kind of transaction?

Olive

Dear Olive,

Public service is a public trust. So, while government employees are not proscribed to enter into civil transactions such as obtaining loans, they should always be mindful of the ethical standards they are bound to uphold. Republic Act (RA) 6713, otherwise known as the 'Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,' clearly states: