Hagåtña, GUAM — The Guam Ethics Commission has been hard at work this year, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. At their final meeting for 2023, the Commission adjudicated eight (8) additional cases, with seven (7) being dismissed and one (1) proceeding for further investigation. This highlights the Commission's commitment to upholding ethical standards and holding accountable those who fail to fulfill their duties to the public.

The Commission conducts investigations into violations of ethical standards, encompassing various aspects such as the Prohibition Against Gifts, Required Reporting of Gifts, Prohibition On Government Employee’s Use of Confidential Information, Prohibition Against Unfair Treatment, Prohibition Against Conflicts of Interest, Prohibition on certain Contracts with Government Employees, Requirement to File Certain Guam Election Commission Reports with GEthC, and Certain Restrictions on Post Employment.

In addition to their adjudication efforts, the Guam Ethics Commission has also made strides in promoting ethical behavior through the Ethics in Government Program. At the meeting, the Commission reported that an additional 2,770 employees have successfully completed the mandatory program. Despite the significant disruption caused by Typhoon Mawar to government operations, the level of completion achieved is truly exceptional. In fact, it surpasses last year's reported number by an impressive 10%, showcasing the Commission's unwavering commitment to educating and promoting ethical practices among government employees.

Furthermore, the Guam Ethics Commission received recognition in the Ethics Bluebook publication, which was unveiled at the 45th annual conference for the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL). This publication serves as a valuable resource document shared across the North American region, emphasizing best practices for promoting compliance with ethical laws and holding government officials accountable to the public. This marks the first time that the Guam Ethics Commission has been featured in this esteemed publication.

Jesse Quenga, executive director of the Guam Ethics Commission, expressed his pride in the Commission's accomplishments this year, stating, "We are pleased with the progress we have made in promoting ethical behavior and holding individuals accountable for their actions. Our contributions to the Ethics Bluebook publication are a testament to our dedication and hard work, and we will continue to strive for ethical excellence in the years ahead."

Guam Ethics Commission officials attend the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL) 45th annual conference. From far left, Jesse Quenga, executive director; Christopher Cruz, Commission Chairman; Meg Tyquiengco, Commission Vice-chairwoman; Daphne Leon Guerrero, Commissioner; Shannon Murphy, Commissioner; Reuben Bugarin, Ethics Investigation and Compliance Officer II.

Government employees attend an ethics training conducted by Atty. Vince Camacho at the University of Guam CLASS Lecture Hall on December 15, 2023.

The Guam Ethics Commission regular meeting is to be conducted on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the GEthC conference room

Suite 406 - 4 ^th Floor Bank of Hawaii Building in Hagåtña and Online Via Zoom.

Meeting ID: 876 733 0322 Passcode: ethics

The meeting will also be livestreamed on YouTube via:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKnPm89nLvvK0d0kx0mtcgA
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9mEuPlRFZL2BUGBASU0imA

AGENDA

• Call to Order / Roll Call of Members
• Approval of Minutes
  • September 29, 2023 – Regular Meeting
• Executive Director's Report

• Closed Proceedings - 4 GCA 15 §15401

  ETH-23-110-OT-201
  ETH-23-115-COI-202
  ETH-23-120-OT-202

  ETH-23-121-UT-201
  ETH-23-122-UT-201
  ETH-23-123-OT-202

  ETH-23-124-OT-202
  ETH-23-125-OT-202
  ETH-23-126-OT-202

  ETH-23-127-OT-201
• New Business
  • Commission to Act on the following cases:
    
    ETH-23-120-OT-202
    ETH-23-121-UT-201
    ETH-23-122-UT-201

    ETH-23-123-OT-202
    ETH-23-124-OT-202
    ETH-23-125-OT-202

    ETH-23-126-OT-202
    ETH-23-127-OT-201
  • Review and Approve Advisory Opinion (AO-23-003)
  • Biennial Review and Approval of Commission Policies
    
    i. GEthC Policy 1 – (2021-001) Hiring and Dismissal of the Executive Director and Staff
    ii. GEthC Policy 2 – (2021-002) Procurement Policy
    iii. GEthC Policy 3 – (2021-003) Ethics Complaint Procedures
    iv. GEthC Policy 4 – (2022-001) Election of Officers
    v. GEthC Policy 5 – Ethics in Government Program Training Fee
    vi. GEthC Policy 6 – Authorizing and Certifying Officials of the Guam Ethics Commission
    vii. GEthC Policy 7 - Travel Policy
  • Review and Adopt Standard Operating Procedures
    
    i. Ethics Complaint Manual
    ii. Invoice and Certificate Manual
    iii. Financial Management Manual
  • Review and Approve Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request
  • Review and Approve Annual Executive Director Performance Evaluation and Pay Adjustment
  • Commission Boardsmanship Training / Education Program P.L. 32-031
• Old Business - none
• Announcements
• Adjournment

For special accommodations or other assistance, please call the
Guam Ethics Commission at (671) 969-5625.
This ad was paid for with Guam Ethics Commission funds.

OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 09, 2023 | TIME: 10:00AM PLACE: ZOOM Meeting ID: 876 733 0322 | Password: ethics

The bid package will be available at the GETHC located at 134 W. Soledad Ave. BOH Building Suite 406, Hagåtña GU 96910 commencing on date of advertisement up to the opening date as stated above or can be downloaded on the government of Guam Notices Website: www.notices.guam.gov ( https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12VjEuVWLP9ROSt14isUfFHE0awzSYEm?usp=sharing) and here.

Prospective bidders should register current contact information with GETHC to ensure receipt of all notices regarding any changes or updates to the IFB. The procuring agency will not be liable for failure to provide notice to any party who did not register current contact information.

Download Notice-Stay of Procurement

Download Notice-Cancellation of Bid

GUAM — The Guam Ethics Commission conducted its regular meeting on Friday, September 29th, during which it addressed 15 ongoing ethics complaints. The proceedings, carried out in private, resulted in the Commission deciding to forward seven of the complaints to the Attorney General's office for criminal investigation. Meanwhile, six cases were dismissed due to either no violation being documented, or the issue being dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. The 15 cases are the latest complaints addressed by the Commission bringing the total to 53 cases since the Commission began accepting complaints in March 2022.

"The Ethics Commission is fully dedicated to its mandate," affirmed Jesse Quenga, Executive Director of the Guam Ethics Commission. "We believe these seven complaints are significant enough to warrant further investigation by the attorney general's office. One of our core objectives is to maintain ethical conduct and ensure government accountability. In pursuit of these values, the Commission will persist in its rigorous investigative processes and promoting ethics training."

A particular focus of the Commission is to uphold the highest ethical standards within the public sector. They remain committed to ensuring thorough investigation of all complaints and enforcing necessary action when required.

In addition to its enforcement responsibilities, the Commission also oversees mandatory ethics training for all public employees and elected officials in line with Public Law 36-25. The training aims to ensure comprehensive understanding of ethical obligations and responsibilities amongst public officials.

During the September 29th meeting, it was reported that a total of 578 additional employees attended the ethics training just in the month of September. This brings the total number of employees who have completed the mandatory Ethics in Government program to over 5,000. Efforts to work with all government departments to ensure full compliance with Public Law 36-25 
continue.

The Guam Ethics Commission strongly believes that by fulfilling its primary objectives of providing ethics training to government officials and adjudicating ethics complaints, it will effectively reinforce the significance of upholding ethical standards within the government.

Government employees attend an ethics training conducted by Atty. Vince Camacho at the Sinajana Central Community Arts Hall on September 8th.

Executive Director Jesse Quenga addresses attendees at an ethics training workshop held on September 8, 2023 at the Sinajana Central Community Arts Hall.

The Guam Ethics Commission regular meeting is to be conducted on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. at the GEthC conference room

Suite 406 - 4 ^th Floor Bank of Hawaii Building in Hagåtña and Online Via Zoom.

Meeting ID: 876 733 0322 Passcode: ethics

The meeting will also be livestreamed on YouTube via:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKnPm89nLvvK0d0kx0mtcgA
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9mEuPlRFZL2BUGBASU0imA

AGENDA

• Call to Order / Roll Call of Members
• Approval of Minutes
  • July 14 - Regular Meeting
• Executive Director's Report
• Old Business - none
• New Business
  • 2023 Ethics Training Compliance Report
  • Commission to Act on the following cases:
    
    ETH-22-004-UT-201
    ETH-22-005-COI-202
    ETH-22-012-COI-202
    ETH-22-013-COI-202

    ETH-23-102-UT-202
    ETH-23-119-UT-202
    ETH-23-107-OT-202
    ETH-23-110-OT-201

    ETH-23-112-UT-202
    ETH-23-113-UT-201
    ETH-23-114-UT-201
    ETH-23-115-COI-202

    ETH-23-116-UT-201
    ETH-23-117-UT-201
    ETH-23-118-UT-201

• Closed Proceedings - 4 GCA 15 §15401

  ETH-23-102-UT-202
  ETH-23-107-OT-202
  ETH-23-110-OT-201
  ETH-23-112-UT-202

  ETH-23-113-UT-201
  ETH-23-114-UT-201
  ETH-23-115-COI-202
  ETH-23-116-UT-201

  ETH-23-117-UT-201
  ETH-23-118-UT-201
  ETH-23-119-UT-202
  ETH-22-004-UT-201

  ETH-22-005-COI-202
  ETH-22-012-COI-202
  ETH-22-013-COI-202
• Announcements
• Adjournment

For special accommodations or other assistance, please call the
Guam Ethics Commission at (671) 969-5625.
This ad was paid for with Guam Ethics Commission funds.