Constitution of a Special Cabinet Committee to Remove Complacency in the Government

October 15, 1973

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 137

It has come to the attention of the President that there are still some government officials and employees, including those in the military, in the local governments, and in local police forces, who are beginning once more to strive for privilege, and to show new signs of inefficiency, discourteousness, and a general inability to meet the rigid standards set for public officials, under the New Society. acd

It need not be emphasized, in this connection, that there is a continuing need to remove this sense of complacency, and this backsliding to old ways, especially so that the nation can consolidate the gains made so far in progress and development.

In view of this, you are hereby constituted into a Special Cabinet Committee, with the Secretary of National Defense as Chairman, to help correct this situation.

The Committee shall receive complaints, conduct investigations by itself or through its authorized representatives, and take appropriate summary action against erring public officials.

It shall also recommend to me the dismissal of, or the taking of appropriate disciplinary action against, public officials and employees, both appointive and elective, who, in the opinion of the Committee, are undesirable or may be dispensed with on account of any misconduct in office. cdt

Furthermore, the Committee shall promulgate rules for the conduct of its activities, which shall be summary and expeditious in nature.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 15th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Three.