60. If a particular institution is responsible for overseeing compliance with existing rules against abuse of state resources, what powers is it granted?

(f) The Commission may employ staff, including legal counsel to advise and represent the Commission in actions filed by or against it, and to assist the Commission to issue advisory opinions upon the request of any person governed by this chapter as to whether the facts and circumstances of a particular case constitute or will constitute a violation of the chapter.

(g) The Commission shall initiate, receive, and consider charges concerning alleged violations of this chapter, initiate or make investigations, and hold hearings.

(h) The Commission may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and take testimony relating to matters before the Commission and require the production for examination of any books or papers relative to any matter under investigation or in question before the Commission. Before the Commission may exercise any of the powers authorized herein with respect to any investigation or hearing, it shall, by a vote of a majority of its members, define the nature and scope of its inquiry.

(i) On an affirmative vote of a majority of its members, the Commission shall have authority to bring civil actions on its own behalf, and take other actions consistent with the law to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

Source: Article 608, Palau National Code, Title 33 Public Employment Chapter 6 Code of Ethics revised edition April 2014

Following its investigations the Ethics Commission may refer for criminal prosecution, refer for prosecution of a civil action or initiate prosecution of a civil action