Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards (RA 6713)

Reviewer's Note: Memorize the "8 Norms of Conduct." They are the most frequent source of questions. Also, remember the magic number "15" - officials have 15 working days to respond to letters.

Republic Act No. 6713, also known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees."

Sa madaling salita: Ito ang batas na nagtatakda kung paano dapat kumilos ang mga nagtatrabaho sa gobyerno. Tandaan ang prinsipyo: "Public office is a public trust."

1. Core Principles (The 8 Norms of Conduct)

Every public official and employee shall observe the following:

1. Commitment to Public Interest: Always prioritize the public interest over personal interest. (Laging unahin ang kapakanan ng publiko kaysa sa sarili.)
2. Professionalism: Perform duties with excellence, intelligence, and skill. (Gawin ang trabaho nang mahusay at maayos.)
3. Justness and Sincerity: Remain true to the people at all times; do not discriminate. (Maging tapat at patas sa lahat.)
4. Political Neutrality: Provide service regardless of party affiliation. (Maglingkod nang walang pinapanigang partido sa politika.)
5. Responsiveness to the Public: Extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service. (Maging mabilis at magalang sa pagtulong sa publiko.)
6. Nationalism and Patriotism: Maintain loyalty to the Republic and the Filipino people. (Maging tapat sa Pilipinas.)
7. Commitment to Democracy: Uphold the principle of public accountability. (Panatilihin ang pagiging accountable sa taumbayan.)
8. Simple Living: Lead modest lives appropriate to their positions. (Mamuhay nang simple at ayon lang sa kinikita.)

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2. Prohibited Acts and Transactions

Public officials and employees are prohibited from:

• Financial Interests: Having financial interest in any transaction requiring their office's approval. (Bawal ang may "interes" sa mga kontrata ng opisina niyo.)
• Outside Employment: Working for a private enterprise regulated by their office. (Bawal mag-sideline sa mga kumpanyang binabantayan ng inyong ahensya.)
• Disclosure of Confidential Information: Leaking info for private interests. (Bawal mag-leak ng sikreto ng gobyerno.)
• Solicitation or Acceptance of Gifts: (Bawal humingi o tumanggap ng regalo kapalit ng pabor.)

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3. Statements and Disclosure (SALN)

All public officials and employees must file:

1. Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
2. Disclosure of Business Interests.

When to file SALN:

• Within 30 days after assumption of office. (Pagkapasok sa trabaho.)
• On or before April 30 of every year thereafter. (Taun-taon bago mag-April 30.)
• Within 30 days after separation from the service. (Pagka-resign o retire.)

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4. Duties of Public Officials

• Act promptly on letters: Reply within 15 working days. (Kailangang sumagot sa sulat sa loob ng 15 araw.)
• Submit annual reports: Within 45 working days of the end of the year.
• Attend to the public: Even during lunch breaks. (Dapat may tao pa ring mag-a-attend sa publiko kahit lunch break.)

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Practice Questions

1. Which norm of conduct states that public officials should lead modest lives?

   • A. Professionalism
   • B. Simple Living
   • C. Justness and Sincerity
   • D. Political Neutrality
   • Answer: B.
   • Hack: Ang "Simple Living" ay ibig sabihin ay ang pamumuhay nang hindi magarbo o labas sa kinikita.

2. Within how many days should a public official respond to a letter?

   • A. 5 working days
   • B. 10 working days
   • C. 15 working days
   • D. 30 working days
   • Answer: C (15 working days).
   • Hack: Ito ay kilala bilang "15-day rule" sa ilalim ng RA 6713.

3. The SALN must be filed on or before _____ of every year.

   • A. January 1
   • B. March 31
   • C. April 30
   • D. June 30
   • Answer: C (April 30).
   • Hack: Tandaan ang petsang April 30 para sa annual filing ng SALN.

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Remember: "Public office is a public trust." (Ang posisyon sa gobyerno ay isang amanah o tiwala mula sa taumbayan.)