RA 6713 — Code of Ethics for Public Officials - Cheat Sheet
Your last-minute revision companion for Republic Act No. 6713 - the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
Basic Information and Definitions
Important facts
- Family includes spouses and unmarried children under 18 years
- Relatives include persons within 4th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity
- Government includes national, local, and all instrumentalities including GOCCs
- Loan covers simple loan, commodatum, guarantees, and financing arrangements
Key definitions
RA 6713
Example
The law that establishes ethical standards for all government workers
Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
Public Officials
Example
Barangay captain, teacher, police officer, judge
Elective and appointive officials and employees, permanent or temporary, including military and police personnel, regardless of compensation
Gift
Example
Free vacation, discounted items, favors given without proper payment
A thing or right disposed of gratuitously, including simulated sales or ostensibly onerous dispositions
Divestment
Example
Selling shares in a company to avoid conflict of interest
Transfer of title or disposal of interest in property by completely depriving oneself of rights to it
Conflict of Interest
Example
A mayor owning shares in a construction company bidding for city projects
When a public official's private interests may oppose or affect faithful performance of official duty
Substantial Stockholder
Example
Person with 15% ownership in a company seeking government contracts
Any person owning shares sufficient to elect a director of a corporation
Norms of Conduct (8 Standards)
Important facts
- Civil Service Commission adopts positive measures to promote these standards
- Merit increases can be authorized for outstanding ethical performance
- Continuing research on positive motivation measures is required
Key definitions
Commitment to Public Interest
Example
Choosing the most cost-effective supplier even if personally inconvenient
Always uphold public interest over personal interest; use resources efficiently and economically
Professionalism
Example
Completing work with high quality and avoiding favoritism
Perform duties with excellence, intelligence, and skill; discourage perceptions as patronage dispensers
Justness and Sincerity
Example
Treating all citizens equally regardless of social status
Act with justice, no discrimination, especially protecting the poor and underprivileged
Political Neutrality
Example
Processing permits equally for all applicants regardless of political party
Provide service without discrimination regardless of party affiliation or preference
Responsiveness to Public
Example
Providing clear information about procedures and timelines
Extend prompt, courteous, adequate service; ensure transparency and avoid red tape
Nationalism and Patriotism
Example
Encouraging use of Philippine-made products in government procurement
Loyalty to Republic and Filipino people; promote local products and defend sovereignty
Commitment to Democracy
Example
Following proper democratic processes in decision-making
Uphold democratic values, public accountability, and civilian authority over military
Simple Living
Example
Not purchasing luxury items that are disproportionate to salary
Lead modest lives appropriate to position and income; avoid extravagant displays of wealth
Duties of Public Officials (5 Key Duties)
Common values
Value
15 working days
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Response time for letters
Value
45 working days from year end
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Annual report deadline
Value
3 signatories
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Maximum document signatories
Important facts
- 15 working days - deadline for responding to letters and requests
- 45 working days - deadline for annual performance reports after year end
- Maximum 3 signatories required on official documents
- Reports must be open and available to public during regular hours
- Next-in-rank officer signs in absence of authorized signatories
Key definitions
Act Promptly on Letters
Example
Replying to citizen complaint with specific steps being taken
Respond to public communications within 15 working days with action taken
Submit Annual Performance Reports
Example
Department secretary submitting yearly accomplishment report
Heads of offices render performance reports within 45 working days from year end
Process Documents Expeditiously
Example
Processing permit applications efficiently with minimal signatures
Complete papers within reasonable time with maximum 3 signatories
Act on Personal Transactions
Example
Immediately assisting citizens who visit government offices
Attend to anyone seeking office services promptly and expeditiously
Make Documents Accessible
Example
Allowing citizens to review public records during office hours
Ensure public documents are available for inspection during reasonable hours
Prohibited Acts and Transactions (4 Categories)
Important facts
- Cannot engage in private practice unless authorized by Constitution or law
- Cannot recommend persons to private enterprises with official transactions
- Congress consents to gifts of nominal value as souvenirs
- Scholarships, fellowships, medical treatment from foreign governments allowed
- Travel grants outside Philippines allowed if consistent with national interest
Key definitions
Financial/Material Interest
Example
Mayor cannot have shares in company bidding for city contracts
Cannot have direct or indirect financial interest in transactions requiring office approval
Outside Employment
Example
BSP official cannot own a bank unless Constitution permits
Cannot own, control, manage private enterprises regulated by their office unless allowed by law
Disclosure of Confidential Info
Example
Cannot share insider information about upcoming government projects
Cannot use or divulge classified information for private gain or to prejudice public interest
Solicitation of Gifts
Example
Cannot accept expensive dinner from contractor seeking permits
Cannot solicit or accept gifts, gratuities, favors in connection with official duties
Statements and Disclosures
Common values
Value
30 days
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
SALN filing after assumption
Value
April 30
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Annual SALN deadline
Value
10 working days
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
SALN availability for copying
Value
10 years
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
SALN public access period
Important facts
- Must file within 30 days after assumption of office
- Annual filing on or before April 30
- Must file within 30 days after separation from service
- Spouses can file jointly or separately
- Available for public inspection for 10 years
- Copying allowed after 10 working days with reasonable fee
- Includes real property, personal property, investments, liabilities
- Must identify and disclose relatives in government
Key definitions
SALN
Example
Annual declaration of properties, bank accounts, investments
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth - mandatory disclosure document
Business Disclosure
Example
Declaration of spouse's business partnerships and investments
Disclosure of Business Interests and Financial Connections of official and family
SALN Filing Offices
Important facts
- Constitutional and national elective officials: National Office of Ombudsman
- Senators and Congressmen: Secretaries of Senate and House respectively
- Justices: Clerk of Court of Supreme Court
- Judges: Court Administrator
- National executive officials: Office of the President
- Regional and local officials: Deputy Ombudsman in their regions
- Armed forces colonel/naval captain and above: Office of President
- Below colonel/naval captain: Deputy Ombudsman in regions
- All other officials: Civil Service Commission
Divestment and Conflict Resolution
Common values
Value
30 days
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Business resignation deadline
Value
60 days
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Shareholding divestment deadline
Important facts
- Must avoid conflicts of interest at all times
- 30 days to resign from private business positions
- 60 days to divest shareholdings from assumption of office
- Committee on Awards composed of Ombudsman, CSC Chair, COA Chair, and 2 presidential appointees
- Awards consider years of service, quality of performance, salary level, risks, and unique achievements
Key definitions
Divestment Timeline
Example
New department secretary must sell company shares within 60 days
Must resign from private business within 30 days and divest shareholdings within 60 days
Must remember
- RA 6713 = Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
- 8 Norms of Conduct: Public Interest, Professionalism, Justness, Political Neutrality, Responsiveness, Nationalism, Democracy, Simple Living
- 15 working days to respond to letters and requests
- 45 working days for annual performance reports after year end
- SALN filing: 30 days after assumption, annually by April 30, 30 days after separation
- 4 Prohibited Acts: Financial Interest, Outside Employment, Confidential Info Disclosure, Gift Solicitation
- Divestment: 30 days to resign from business, 60 days to divest shares
- Family = spouse + unmarried children under 18
- Relatives = within 4th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity
- Maximum 3 signatories on official documents
Last minute tips
- Remember the specific timeframes - 15, 30, 45, 60 days are frequently tested
- Know where different officials file their SALN - this is a common multiple choice question
- Memorize all 8 norms of conduct - questions often ask you to match descriptions to specific norms
- Understand that gifts of 'nominal value' as souvenirs are allowed from foreign governments, but regular gifts are prohibited
- Don't confuse divestment (disposing of property) with disclosure (reporting assets) - they're different requirements
Comparison tables
Key Timeframes in RA 6713
| Activity | Timeframe | From When |
|---|---|---|
| Response to letters/requests | 15 working days | Receipt of communication |
| Annual performance reports | 45 working days | End of year |
| SALN filing (new) | 30 days | Assumption of office |
| SALN filing (separation) | 30 days | Separation from service |
| Business resignation | 30 days | Assumption of office |
| Shareholding divestment | 60 days | Assumption of office |
| SALN copying availability | 10 working days | Filing of statement |
SALN Filing Offices
| Official Type | Filing Office |
|---|---|
| Constitutional/National Elective | National Office of Ombudsman |
| Senators/Congressmen | Senate/House Secretaries |
| Justices | Supreme Court Clerk |
| Judges | Court Administrator |
| National Executive | Office of the President |
| Regional/Local | Deputy Ombudsman (regions) |
| Colonel/Naval Captain+ | Office of the President |
| Below Colonel rank | Deputy Ombudsman (regions) |
| All Others | Civil Service Commission |
Diagrams
RA 6713 Code of Ethics Overview
Complete overview of RA 6713 showing all major components and their relationships
SALN Filing Process and Timeline
Step-by-step process showing SALN filing requirements and public access timeline
Critical Deadlines in RA 6713
Visual timeline of all critical deadlines that public officials must remember