The Civil Service Commission (CSC) does not prohibit the holding of Christmas parties within government working hours as long as government agencies can assure continued delivery of efficient services.

CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala reminded government offices nationwide to ensure that a skeletal force is in place to ensure that all clients who are within their premises are attended to amid the conduct of Christmas parties.

“Let us celebrate the spirit of Christmas by ensuring efficient, responsive and compassionate delivery of public service to our clients,” said the CSC chairperson.

The CSC Chairperson also urged heads of agencies to issue advisories to enjoin employees to accept requests and/or applications with complete requirements being submitted by a client and attend to clients who are within the premises of the office or agency concerned prior to the end of official working hours in compliance with Rule XIII, Section 1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery (EODB EGSD) Act of 2018 even while holding their year-end activities.