Skip to content
SuholTracker
Education center

What is an unofficial payment?

Any payment to get a government service that isn't on the official schedule of fees and doesn't come with an official receipt.

This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures change. For advice about your situation, talk to a lawyer or the Public Attorney's Office.

Warning signs

  • The fee isn't on the posted schedule or Citizen's Charter.
  • No official receipt is offered, or you're told a receipt “isn't needed”.
  • You're offered an “express” or “special” lane for extra money.
  • Payment goes to a person's pocket, a personal e-wallet or a third party outside the office.
  • A “fixer” outside the office says they can get it done faster through contacts.

Check the Citizen's Charter

Government offices are required under RA 11032 to publish a Citizen's Charter listing requirements, fees and processing times for each service. If a fee isn't there, ask for the legal basis and an official receipt.