Philippine mayor orders employees to 'smile' or risk fine

The measure is in response to complaints from locals, mostly fishermen and coconut growers, about the unfriendly treatment they receive from town hall staff when they go to pay their taxes or seek aid. - AFP

Manila (AFP): 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.