The DR General Accounting Department has warned all public officials that they should refrain from participating, directly or indirectly, in business or personal transactions with public or private institutions where they could gain financial profit. According to Listin Diario, General Comptroller Simon Lizardo Mezquita reminded ministers, general directors, central and de-centralized government institutions, that Article 8, Section ?J? of Law 120-01, which is the Code of Ethics for Public Servants, punishes all operations made in the government in favor of public officials. Lizardo also reminded officials that they are subject to the Code of Ethics regardless of their hierarchical ranking. ?They cannot be a part of, or have an interest in, the profit or benefits of a contract with any public or private institution?, he declared. His memorandum warns that it is their duty to comply with the law.