Guide to R.A. 6713: The Code of Conduct (Sub-Professional)
Republic Act No. 6713 is the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees." It applies to everyone in government service.
Sa madaling salita: Ito ang batas na nagsasabi kung paano dapat kumilos ang isang kawani ng gobyerno. Tandaan: ang "Public office is a public trust."
The Eight Norms of Conduct (Section 4)
These are the core values every government worker must follow.
| Norm of Conduct | What It Means in Practice | Hack |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Commitment to Public Interest | Prioritize the welfare of the public over personal interest. | Unahin ang bayan bago ang sarili o pamilya. |
| 2. Professionalism | Perform duties with excellence and skill. | Gawin ang trabaho nang mahusay at maayos. |
| 3. Justness and Sincerity | Be fair and impartial to all people. | Maging patas sa lahat, kahit kanino pa man. |
| 4. Political Neutrality | Provide service regardless of political beliefs. | Huwag mamili ng tutulungan base sa partido. |
| 5. Responsiveness to the Public | Be prompt, helpful, and courteous. | Maging mabilis at magalang sa pagtugon. |
| 6. Nationalism and Patriotism | Be loyal to the Republic and promote local goods. | Maging tapat sa Pilipinas at sa mga Pilipino. |
| 7. Commitment to Democracy | Uphold democratic principles and public accountability. | Panatilihin ang diwa ng demokrasya. |
| 8. Simple Living | Live a modest life within your means. | Mamuhay nang simple, huwag maging magarbo. |
Key Duties of Public Officials (Section 5)
- Act Promptly on Letters and Requests:
- The 15-Day Rule: Lahat ng sulat ay dapat sagutin sa loob ng 15 working days mula nang matanggap ito.
- Make Documents Accessible:
- Dapat madaling makita o makuha ng publiko ang mga official documents (transparency).
- Process Documents Expeditiously:
- Dapat mabilis at walang delay ang pag-process ng mga papel.
Prohibited Acts (Bawal Gawin)
- Soliciting or Accepting Gifts: Bawal humingi o tumanggap ng regalo kapalit ng pabor sa trabaho.
- Financial Interest: Bawal magkaroon ng interes sa mga kontrata ng inyong opisina.
- Outside Employment: Bawal magkaroon ng ibang trabaho na magdudulot ng "conflict of interest".
The SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth)
Ang SALN ay listahan ng iyong mga ari-arian at utang.
- When to File (Kailan magpapasa):
- Within 30 days after assumption of office. (Pagpasok sa trabaho.)
- On or before April 30 of every year. (Taun-taon bago mag-April 30.)
- Within 30 days after leaving the service. (Pag-alis sa trabaho.)
Practice Questions
1. According to R.A. 6713, a public official must reply to a letter within how many working days? A. 10 B. 15 C. 20 D. 30 Answer: B (15). Hack: Ito ay ang standard response time para sa lahat ng government communications.
2. A public employee who lives a modest life demonstrates which norm of conduct? A. Professionalism B. Political Neutrality C. Commitment to Democracy D. Simple Living Answer: D. Hack: Ang "Simple Living" ay halimbawa ng pagpapakumbaba sa lifestyle ng isang civil servant.
3. When must a government employee file their first SALN? A. Within 15 days B. Within 30 days C. Within 60 days D. Before the end of the year Answer: B. Hack: Ibig sabihin, sa loob ng isang buwan mula pagpasok, kailangan nang mag-file.
4. A clerk prioritizes his friend's application over others in line. What is he violating? A. Commitment to Public Interest B. Nationalism C. Simple Living D. Political Neutrality Answer: A. Hack: Inuna niya ang personal na relasyon kaysa sa interes ng publiko.
5. Which of the following is NOT a norm of conduct? A. Justness and Sincerity B. Financial Abundance C. Professionalism D. Political Neutrality Answer: B. Hack: Ang "Financial Abundance" ay wala sa listahan; ang tama ay "Simple Living".
Tip: Memorize the number "15" for letters and "30" for SALN deadlines.