Smile or be fired, Philippine mayor tells employees
- Aristotle Aguirre says he’s responding to complaints from locals, mostly coconut growers and fishermen, about unfriendly treatment from town hall staff
- Employees who do not comply risk a fine equal to six month’s salary and could even be suspended from their jobs – Aguirre says he wants ‘to send good vibes’
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”.