Duterte to gov’t agencies: Respond to public requests, concerns in 15 days

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government agencies to respond to requests and concerns of the public within 15 days.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by the authority of the President, signed Memorandum Circular No. 44, which was released by Malacañang on Monday.

The memorandum was a reiteration of Section 5a of Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), which mandates all public officials and employees to respond to letters, telegrams or other means of communications sent by the public within 15 days.

The order also covered government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC).

“All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or- controlled corporations, performing frontline services as defined in RA No. 9485 are hereby directed to  respond to all public requests and concerns within 15 days from receipt thereof, unless a shorter period is provided under applicable laws and issuances,” the memorandum read. /kga/ac