Iftar Timings Mar 28 - Ramazan 17

Lahore
LHR
06:20 PM
Karachi
KHI
06:46 PM
Islamabad
ISB
06:26 PM
Peshawar
PWR
06:30 PM
Quetta
QTA
06:49 PM

News

Philippine mayor orders employees to smile or risk fine

July 14, 2022 04:41 PM


A Philippine mayor has ordered public servants to smile, or risk a fine, as he seeks to improve the level of service provided by the local government. 

Aristotle Aguirre introduced the "smile policy" this month after being sworn into office in Mulanay town in Quezon province, on the main island of Luzon.

The policy must be adopted "while serving the people to give sincerity by showing a feeling of calmness and friendly atmosphere", the executive order said.

Aguirre said the measure was in response to complaints from locals, mostly coconut growers and fishermen, about the unfriendly treatment they received from town hall staff when they went to pay their taxes or seek aid. 

Some constituents would walk for an hour from their remote villages to reach the town hall. 

"When they arrive, they're dismayed at the attitude of people they transact with," Aguirre said.

Aguirre, who was an occupational therapist before running for office in the May 9 elections, wants to "change the attitude of our government workers". 

"We need to be a business friendly municipality," said Aguirre, the son of a former justice secretary in ex-president Rodrigo Duterte's administration.

Employees who do not comply with the order could be fined the equivalent of six month's salary or be suspended from their jobs. 

Asked how the rule would be enforced when Filipinos are still required to wear a face mask in public, Aguirre said people can sense if someone is sincerely helping them. 

"I don't think we'll reach that point," Aguirre said of the possible punishments. 

"It's just to send good vibes to our employees and constituents."



Most Read

  1. Aitchison College principal resigns over differences with Punjab governor Aitchison College principal resigns over differences with Punjab governor
  2. Aitchison College students, parents stage protest against principal’s resignation Aitchison College students, parents stage protest against principal’s resignation
  3. Tribal firefight in Gotki, Motorways section shut down Tribal firefight in Gotki, Motorways section shut down
  4. Five Chinese among six killed in Shangla suicide bombing Five Chinese among six killed in Shangla suicide bombing
  5. Transferred: Lawman bears the brunt of flagging down lawmaker Transferred: Lawman bears the brunt of flagging down lawmaker
  6. Maaz Safder regrets 4-year relationship with wife Saba Maaz Safder regrets 4-year relationship with wife Saba

Opinion

  1. IMEC to sabotage CPEC
    IMEC to sabotage CPEC

    By Dr Asif Channer

  2. 1947 TO FORM 47
    1947 TO FORM 47

    By Dr Asif Channer

  3. Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....
    Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....

    By Ali Ramay

  4. Global race: China will reduce its unnecessary expenses
    Global race: China will reduce its unnecessary expenses

    By Ali Ramay

  5. Channer Pir: The Great Saint of Cholistan
    Channer Pir: The Great Saint of Cholistan

    By Dr Asif Channer

  6. Literate the Religious Illiterate
    Literate the Religious Illiterate

    By Dr Asif Channer