MANILA – After the onslaught of six typhoons across only four weeks, the Philippine national government is asking officials and employees to do away with traditionally lavish Christmas parties and instead commiserate with fellow Filipinos affected by disasters.

This week, Malacañang directed government agencies to scale back spending on employee gatherings and to be mindful of the less fortunate.

“This call is in solidarity with the millions of our countrymen who continue to grieve over lives, homes and livelihoods lost during the six typhoons that pummeled us in a span of less than a month,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a statement.

While Malacañang will no longer issue a formal directive on austerity measures for the holidays, the administration expects public servants to follow suit.

“The true spirit of Christmas implores us to celebrate with compassion, to share our blessings and to spread cheer,” Bersamin said. “As a people united by love for our fellow men, we can cast away bleakness as we celebrate in this season of joy.”

The national government is extending aid to communities in northern, central and eastern Philippines, which were severely hit by the series of tropical cyclones.

“We will make sure that the Christmas spirit will be felt early by all the affected areas in the form of relief goods and assistance, of infrastructure rebuilt and of livelihoods restored,” Bersamin said, urging public servants to donate savings from their Christmas parties to those reeling from the tragedy.

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No grand Christmas celebrations

The House of Representatives said it has already cancelled an upcoming celebration scheduled for 30 November. Proceeds saved from the event will be redirected to relief efforts.

Meanwhile, the governments of Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City in the Visayas have also announced plans to cut back on holiday spending or forgo grand celebrations.

But while city leaders are now opting to donate funds to support calamity-hit communities, individual departments can host simpler gatherings for their teams.

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Rules on Christmas celebrations in the government sector

In the Philippines, penalties for violating rules on Christmas celebrations can vary based on the nature of the violation.

Government workers may face administrative sanctions under Republic Act 6713 for soliciting gifts or engaging in lavish celebrations, which could lead to dismissal from service for grave offences. Excessive celebrations could also lead to public scrutiny and potential inclusion on a “naughty list” maintained by the Department of Labor and Employment.

In 2018, the Philippines’ Civil Service Commission reminded government workers “not to accept gifts nor solicit for items to be raffled during Christmas party or holiday celebrations”.

Last year, the commission reiterated that agencies engaging in year-end celebrations must also ensure “there will be no disruption” in the delivery of public services.

“The most fitting way to conclude this eventful year is by maintaining the same standard of excellence in our service that we have consistently provided throughout the entire year,” CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles said at the time.