Senator Idol Raffy Tulfo has filed a Senate resolution to investigate and impose tougher penalties on arrogant and snobbish government workers who create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust in government agencies.

Tulfo filed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 554 to address the issue of government workers’ misconduct, harassment, and even human rights violations towards the Filipino public. The resolution aims to craft and promote the “Anti-Taray” Bill that will impose tougher penalties on government workers found guilty of such offenses.

“Panahon na upang maparusahan ang mga kawani ng gobyerno na nambabastos, namamahiya, naninigaw at kumakawawa sa mga kababayan natin na pumupunta sa kanilang tanggapan para makipagtransaksyon. Ang empleyado ng gobyerno dapat ay pasensyoso at nagseserbisyo, hindi nagsusuplado,” he said.

According to Tulfo, many poor citizens have complained about not being properly assisted by government workers on duty, and worse, being insulted, humiliated, and shouted at.

He emphasized that government workers should be respectful, patient, and understanding in discharging their duties, and if they cannot be courteous to the public, they are not worthy to hold a position in public office.

There has been a surge of online complaints concerning the haughty and belittling behavior of government frontliners, including those in immigration and airport personnel, health and welfare services, public utilities, transportation and communication services, the Philippine National Police, educational and training institutions.

Tulfo stressed that government workers should treat the Filipino public as their boss since their compensation is being paid for by the citizens.

In a 2020 survey conducted by the Development Academy of the Philippines, the citizen satisfaction score of government services declined from 86.93 in 2018 to 70.14 in 2020, showing a significant decline in the public’s ratings of frontline government services.

Once passed into law, the Anti-Taray Bill will sanction rude and snobbish government workers with dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from public office.

Tulfo hopes that this will create a more courteous and respectful environment in public institutions, agencies, and offices, reducing fear and mistrust among the public.