Quick Guide to the Guam Ethics Code

Here are some general guidelines to some ethics issues. These are just general overviews, if you’re not sure what to do or if you would like advice on a specific issue, please contact our office at (671) 969-5625 or email us at [email protected] and we will get back to as soon as possible.

New Employees & Commission Members: General Ethics Code guidelines for newly elected board/commission members and for those who are new to their roles as public officials. It's also a good reminder for existing employees and board/commission members.

Gifts: Short guidelines on what gifts you can accept and which you shouldn't.

Second Jobs & other Private Business Activities: It's okay to have a second job, but be aware of ethics issues that may arise.

Post-Employment Laws: Even after you leave your GovGuam position, there are still rules that continue to apply to you after your leave.

As a GovGuam employee or Board/Commission member you must follow the Guam Ethics Code, this is to ensure integrity within the Government of Guam. Here are some important things you need to know: 

• Do not accept "gifts" for doing your job. You may not accept any gifts if it is intended to influence you in the performance of your job. There are circumstances when you can accept gifts, but you may have to report it to the Ethics Commission. When in doubt, contact us!
• No extra "perks" for doing your job. You may not use your Government position to gain "unwarranted" benefits for yourself or for someone else. This means:
  • Don't use your Government position to try and get employment for yourself
  • Don't accept any extra pay or perks for doing your job (for examples prizes, honoraries, or any extra money)
  • Don't use government time, equipment, or resources for private business purposes (for examples using a government car for personal errands and using paper, scissors, printer, in the office for fundraiser activities)
  • Don't solicit, sell, or engage in a substantial financial transaction with a subordinate (for example don’t sell your motorcycle or rent an apartment to your subordinates)
• No conflicts of interest. You may not take official action affecting a company where you, your spouse, or your dependent children have an interest in the company. For example, you cannot award a government contract that employs you, your spouse, and you can’t be paid to represent that company on a matter before your agency or board/commission.
• Financial disclosures. All elected and appointed Government of Guam officials are required by law to file a financial disclosure with the Guam Election Commission on or before April 22 of each calendar year. All financial disclosure reports filed with the Guam Election Commission will be reported to the Ethics Commission within three working days of filing.
• Restrictions on post employment. There are certain laws on what you can and cannot do after you leave your government position. A 12 month "cooling off" period is required before you can represent a private company in any GovGuam agency. If you're not sure, give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.