Civil Service Exam (Professional) General Information — RA 6713 — Code of Ethics for Public OfficialsFlash Cards

What is the official title of Republic Act No. 6713?

The 'Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.' This law establishes comprehensive ethical standards for all government personnel, from elected officials to regular employees, emphasizing that public office is a public trust that must be exercised with the highest integrity.

According to RA 6713, who are considered 'Public Officials'?

Public Officials include elective and appointive officials and employees, permanent or temporary, whether in the career or non-career service, including military and police personnel, whether or not they receive compensation, regardless of amount. This broad definition ensures that all government personnel, regardless of their employment status or compensation level, are bound by ethical standards.

What does 'Gift' mean under RA 6713?

A 'Gift' refers to a thing or a right to dispose of gratuitously, or any act or liberality, in favor of another who accepts it, and shall include a simulated sale or an ostensibly onerous disposition thereof. It includes receiving directly or indirectly anything of value from someone other than family members, especially if given in anticipation of or in exchange for a favor.

Define 'Divestment' as stated in RA 6713.

Divestment is the transfer of title or disposal of interest in property by voluntarily, completely and actually depriving or dispossessing oneself of his right or title to it in favor of a person or persons other than his spouse and relatives. This is required when a public official has business interests that may conflict with their official duties.

What does 'Commitment to Public Interest' mean as a norm of conduct?

Public officials and employees shall always uphold the public interest over and above personal interest. All government resources and powers of their respective offices must be employed and used efficiently, effectively, honestly and economically, particularly to avoid wastage in public funds and revenues. This is the fundamental principle that government service prioritizes the people's welfare over personal gain.

Explain the principle of 'Professionalism' under RA 6713.

Public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill. They shall enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to duty. They shall endeavor to discourage wrong perceptions of their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue patronage. This emphasizes competence and dedication in public service.

What is required under 'Political Neutrality' for public officials?

Public officials and employees shall provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference. This ensures that government services are delivered fairly to all citizens, regardless of their political beliefs or party membership, maintaining the impartial nature of public service.

How does RA 6713 define 'Simple Living'?

Public officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form. This principle prevents corruption and maintains public trust by ensuring officials live within their legitimate means.

What is the time limit for responding to public communications under RA 6713?

All public officials and employees shall, within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof, respond to letters, telegrams or other means of communications sent by the public. The reply must contain the action taken on the request. This ensures responsive and accountable government service.

When must government agencies submit annual performance reports?

All heads or other responsible officers of offices and agencies of the government and of government-owned or controlled corporations shall, within forty-five (45) working days from the end of the year, render a performance report of the agency or office or corporation concerned. Such report shall be open and available to the public within regular office hours.

What constitutes 'Financial and Material Interest' as a prohibited act?

Public officials and employees shall not, directly or indirectly, have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their office. This prevents conflicts of interest where officials could benefit personally from decisions they make in their official capacity.

When can public officials engage in private practice of their profession?

Public officials and employees may engage in the private practice of their profession only when authorized by the Constitution or law, provided that such practice will not conflict or tend to conflict with their official functions. This allows professionals like doctors or lawyers to practice while serving in government, but with strict limitations to prevent conflicts.

What is prohibited regarding confidential information?

Public officials and employees shall not use or divulge confidential or classified information officially known to them by reason of their office and not made available to the public, either to further their private interests, give undue advantage to anyone, or to prejudice the public interest. This protects government information and prevents insider trading or favoritism.

What gifts can public officials accept from foreign governments?

Congress consents to: (1) acceptance of gifts of nominal value as souvenirs or marks of courtesy; (2) acceptance of scholarships, fellowship grants, or medical treatment; (3) acceptance of travel grants for travel outside the Philippines if appropriate and consistent with Philippine interests and permitted by the head of office.

Who must file Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN)?

All public officials and employees, except those who serve in an honorary capacity, laborers and casual or temporary workers, shall file under oath their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth and a Disclosure of Business Interests and Financial Connections and those of their spouses and unmarried children under eighteen (18) years of age living in their households.

When must SALN be filed under RA 6713?

The documents must be filed: (a) within thirty (30) days after assumption of office; (b) on or before April 30 of every year thereafter; and (c) within thirty (30) days after separation from the service. This ensures continuous monitoring of officials' wealth and potential conflicts of interest.

What does 'Conflict of Interest' mean under RA 6713?

Conflict of interest arises when a public official or employee is a member of a board, an officer, or a substantial stockholder of a private corporation or owner or has a substantial interest in a business, and the interest of such corporation or business may be opposed to or affected by the faithful performance of official duty.

Compare 'Justness and Sincerity' with 'Responsiveness to the Public' as norms of conduct.

Justness and Sincerity requires officials to remain true to the people, act with fairness without discrimination, and respect rights while avoiding acts contrary to law and public interest. Responsiveness to the Public focuses on providing prompt, courteous service, ensuring information accessibility, conducting public consultations, and avoiding red tape. Both emphasize serving the people, but justness focuses on fairness while responsiveness focuses on service quality.

A barangay captain receives an expensive watch from a contractor who frequently bids on municipal projects. Is this allowed under RA 6713?

No, this is prohibited under RA 6713. Public officials shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by their office. The expensive watch from a contractor creates a conflict of interest and violates the prohibition on accepting gifts.

What action must a public official take within 30-60 days when a conflict of interest arises?

When a conflict of interest arises, a public official shall resign from his position in any private business enterprise within thirty (30) days from his assumption of office and/or divest himself of his shareholdings or interest within sixty (60) days from such assumption. This divestment requirement ensures that personal business interests do not compromise official duties.