RA 6713 — Code of Ethics for Public Officials - Slides
Republic Act No. 6713, known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, establishes fundamental principles that uphold the time-honored principle of public office being a public trust. This law sets high ethical standards for all government personnel and provides clear guidelines for conduct, prohibited acts, and accountability measures to ensure integrity in public service.
Slides
Introduction to RA 6713
Notes
This foundational slide introduces students to the scope and importance of RA 6713
Examples
- Government employees must prioritize public interest over personal gain
- Public officials are required to file annual asset declarations
RA 6713 serves as the foundation for ethical governance in the Philippines, ensuring that all public servants maintain the highest standards of integrity and accountability to the Filipino people.
Main points
- Republic Act No. 6713 is the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
- Establishes high standards of ethics in public service
- Upholds the principle that public office is a public trust
- Provides incentives for exemplary service and penalties for violations
Diagram
Overview of RA 6713's main components and coverage
Declaration of Policies
Notes
Students should understand these as core principles guiding all public service activities
Examples
- A public official choosing efficient public transportation over expensive government vehicles
- Government employees working overtime without additional compensation to serve citizens better
Section 2 of RA 6713 establishes the fundamental policies that guide public service, emphasizing accountability, integrity, and the primacy of public interest in all government actions.
Main points
- Promote high standard of ethics in public service
- Public officials shall be accountable to the people at all times
- Discharge duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty
- Act with patriotism and justice
- Lead modest lives and uphold public interest over personal interest
Diagram
Flow of policy principles from ethics to public interest priority
Key Definitions - Part 1
Notes
Focus on memorizing these definitions as they frequently appear in CSE examinations
Examples
- A barangay captain is a public official under this law
- A birthday gift from a contractor to a government engineer may be prohibited
- GSIS and SSS employees are covered as they work for GOCCs
Understanding these key definitions is crucial for proper application of RA 6713. The law covers all levels of government and all types of public service positions.
Main points
- Government: National, local governments, and all instrumentalities including GOCCs
- Public Officials: Elective and appointive officials, permanent or temporary, including military and police
- Gift: Thing or right disposed gratuitously, includes simulated sales
- Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 18 years old
Diagram
Type
none
Key Definitions - Part 2
Notes
Students should understand the relationship between these concepts for practical application
Examples
- A mayor owning shares in a construction company bidding for city projects
- A government official selling business shares within 60 days of assumption
- Fourth civil degree includes great-grandparents, great-grandchildren, and cousins
These definitions help identify situations where ethical violations may occur and when public officials must take action to avoid conflicts of interest.
Main points
- Conflict of Interest: When personal business interests may oppose official duties
- Divestment: Transfer of property title to avoid conflicts
- Substantial Stockholder: Person owning shares sufficient to elect a director
- Relatives: Persons related within fourth civil degree including bilas, inso, balae
Diagram
Process for identifying and resolving conflicts of interest
Norms of Conduct - Commitment to Public Interest
Notes
This is often tested in CSE examinations through situational questions
Examples
- Using office supplies only for official business, not personal use
- Choosing cost-effective solutions that benefit more citizens
- Rejecting kickbacks from contractors even if legal loopholes exist
This fundamental norm requires public officials to prioritize the welfare of the people above their personal gains. All government resources must be used responsibly for maximum public benefit.
Main points
- Always uphold public interest over personal interest
- Use government resources efficiently, effectively, honestly, and economically
- Avoid wastage in public funds and revenues
- Employ powers of office for public benefit
Diagram
Visual representation showing public interest should always take priority
Norms of Conduct - Professionalism and Excellence
Notes
Emphasize that professionalism is not just about skills but also about attitude and approach
Examples
- A BIR employee processing tax returns accurately and promptly
- A teacher preparing lessons thoroughly despite low salary
- A police officer treating all citizens with equal respect regardless of social status
Professionalism in public service means delivering quality work consistently, maintaining high standards, and avoiding any appearance of favoritism or corruption in service delivery.
Main points
- Perform duties with highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence, and skill
- Enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication
- Discourage wrong perceptions as dispensers of undue patronage
- Maintain high standards in all official functions
Diagram
Path from entering public service to delivering quality professional service
Norms of Conduct - Justness and Political Neutrality
Notes
Political neutrality is especially important during election periods
Examples
- A social worker providing equal assistance to families from different political parties
- A licensing officer processing applications in order of submission, not based on connections
- A public school principal admitting students based on merit, not political influence
These norms ensure equal treatment of all citizens and prevent the politicization of public service. Government employees must serve all Filipinos fairly regardless of political beliefs or social status.
Main points
- Justness and Sincerity: Remain true to people, act justly, no discrimination especially against poor
- Political Neutrality: Provide service without unfair discrimination regardless of party affiliation
- Respect rights of others at all times
- Refrain from acts contrary to law, morals, customs, and public interest
Diagram
Sequence showing how public officials should provide neutral, merit-based service
Norms of Conduct - Responsiveness and Nationalism
Notes
Connect responsiveness with nationalism to show how good service builds national pride
Examples
- A customs official promoting 'Buy Filipino' campaigns while processing imports fairly
- A DTI officer simplifying business registration procedures to help local entrepreneurs
- A foreign affairs employee protecting OFW rights abroad
Public officials must be responsive to citizens' needs while promoting Filipino products and values. Service should be prompt and efficient, supporting national development and sovereignty.
Main points
- Responsiveness: Extend prompt, courteous, adequate service; provide clear information; avoid red tape
- Nationalism and Patriotism: Loyalty to Republic and Filipino people; promote local goods and technology
- Maintain and defend Philippine sovereignty
- Encourage appreciation and pride of country
Diagram
Components of responsive and patriotic public service
Norms of Conduct - Democracy and Simple Living
Notes
Simple living is often visible to the public and affects credibility of government
Examples
- A government official using economy class flights for official travel
- A public school superintendent driving a modest car appropriate to their salary
- A civil servant choosing duty to country over personal political relationships
These final norms ensure public officials support democratic institutions and live within their means. Simple living builds public trust and demonstrates that public service is about serving, not personal enrichment.
Main points
- Commitment to Democracy: Uphold democratic values, public accountability, civilian authority over military
- Simple Living: Lead modest lives appropriate to positions and income
- No extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth
- Loyalty to country above loyalty to persons or party
Diagram
State progression from democratic values to public trust through simple living
Duties of Public Officials - Communication and Reporting
Notes
These specific timeframes are frequently tested in CSE examinations
Examples
- A mayor responding to citizen complaints about road repairs within 15 days
- A DPWH regional director publishing annual infrastructure accomplishment reports
- A barangay captain providing written updates on requested community projects
These duties ensure transparency and accountability in government operations. Citizens have the right to receive timely responses and access to government performance information.
Main points
- Act promptly on letters and requests: Respond within 15 working days with action taken
- Submit annual performance reports: Agency heads render reports within 45 working days after year-end
- Reports must be open and available to public during regular office hours
- All responses must contain specific actions taken
Diagram
Timeline showing required response periods for public communications and reports
Duties of Public Officials - Document Processing and Access
Notes
The 3-signatory rule is designed to reduce bureaucratic delays
Examples
- A business permit processed through only 3 approval levels instead of 10
- A civil registrar immediately attending to citizens requesting birth certificates
- A city hall making ordinances available for public viewing during office hours
These duties combat red tape and ensure efficient government service delivery. The goal is to minimize bureaucratic delays while maintaining proper documentation and accountability.
Main points
- Process documents expeditiously: Complete within reasonable time with maximum 3 signatories
- Act immediately on personal transactions: Attend promptly to citizens seeking services
- Make documents accessible: Public documents available for inspection during working hours
- In absence of signatories, next-in-rank officer signs
Diagram
Document processing workflow showing efficiency requirements
Prohibited Acts - Financial and Material Interest
Notes
This is one of the most important prohibited acts and frequently appears in examinations
Examples
- A building official cannot approve permits for their own construction company
- A DTI regional director cannot have shares in a business applying for government contracts
- A customs official cannot process shipments for a company they partly own
This prohibition prevents conflicts of interest where public officials could use their position to gain personal financial advantage. It ensures decisions are made based on public interest, not personal profit.
Main points
- Public officials shall not have direct or indirect financial or material interest in transactions requiring their office's approval
- Covers any business dealings that could benefit the official personally
- Includes investments, contracts, licenses, and permits
- Applies to both direct ownership and indirect benefits
Diagram
Decision tree for identifying prohibited financial interests
Prohibited Acts - Outside Employment and Information
Notes
These rules are complex and require careful analysis of specific situations
Examples
- A BSP official cannot work as consultant for a bank they regulate
- A lawyer-government employee can practice law if authorized and non-conflicting
- A procurement officer cannot recommend friends to supplier companies
- An economic planner cannot share unpublished data to help private investors
These prohibitions prevent the misuse of official position and information for personal benefit. They maintain the integrity of government processes and protect sensitive information.
Main points
- Cannot own, control, or work for private enterprises regulated by their office unless expressly allowed by law
- Cannot engage in private practice unless authorized by Constitution or law and non-conflicting
- Cannot recommend persons to positions in private enterprises with official transactions
- Cannot use or divulge confidential information for private gain or to prejudice public interest
Diagram
Categories of outside employment and information use prohibitions
Prohibited Acts - Gifts and Solicitation
Notes
Gift prohibition has specific exceptions that students must memorize
Examples
- A tax examiner cannot accept dinner from a taxpayer under audit
- A licensing officer can accept a small souvenir from a foreign delegation
- A health official can accept medical scholarship from international organization
- A tourism secretary can accept approved travel grant for official foreign missions
The gift prohibition prevents corruption and maintains public trust. Even small gifts can create obligations or appearances of impropriety that compromise official judgment.
Main points
- Cannot solicit or accept gifts, gratuities, favors, entertainment, loans, or anything of monetary value
- Prohibition applies during official duties or in connection with regulated operations
- Exceptions for foreign government gifts: nominal souvenirs, scholarships, medical treatment, travel grants
- All exceptions require proper authorization and public interest consideration
Diagram
Decision process for gift acceptance showing exceptions and prohibitions
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN)
Notes
SALN filing is a crucial transparency mechanism and frequent examination topic
Examples
- A newly elected mayor files SALN within 30 days of taking oath
- A government employee files annual SALN by April 30 each year
- Citizens can request copies of officials' SALNs during office hours
- Married officials can file jointly or separately with spouse
SALN requirements ensure transparency and allow public monitoring of officials' wealth. This helps detect potential corruption through unexplained increases in assets or undeclared business interests.
Main points
- All public officials must file SALN and Business Interest Disclosure under oath
- Filing deadlines: within 30 days of assumption, by April 30 annually, within 30 days of separation
- Must include assets, liabilities, net worth, and business connections of spouse and unmarried children under 18
- Documents are public and available for inspection and copying
Diagram
Timeline showing SALN filing requirements and public access periods
Divestment Requirements
Notes
The 30-day and 60-day periods are strict deadlines that must be followed
Examples
- A newly appointed energy secretary must sell shares in oil companies within 60 days
- A bank regulator must resign from all bank board positions within 30 days
- Property must be sold to non-family members to qualify as proper divestment
Divestment requirements ensure that public officials cannot use their positions to benefit their private business interests. The time limits ensure prompt resolution of potential conflicts.
Main points
- Public officials must avoid conflicts of interest at all times
- Must resign from private business positions within 30 days of assumption
- Must divest shareholdings or interests within 60 days of assumption
- Divestment means complete transfer of title to non-relatives
Diagram
Process and timeline for resolving conflicts through divestment
Incentives and Rewards System
Notes
This positive aspect of RA 6713 shows it's not just about restrictions but also recognition
Examples
- A rural health worker receiving recognition for serving remote communities despite low pay
- A tax collector awarded for consistent integrity despite corruption temptations
- A teacher honored for innovative programs improving student outcomes in difficult circumstances
The incentives system motivates public servants to maintain high ethical standards by recognizing exemplary service. It balances various factors to fairly evaluate contributions to public service.
Main points
- Committee on Awards composed of Ombudsman and CSC Chairman as Co-Chairmen
- Includes COA Chairman and two Presidential appointees as members
- Annual incentives and rewards for outstanding public servants
- Awards consider years of service, quality of performance, position obscurity, salary level, unique achievements, and work risks
Diagram
Factors considered in evaluating public servants for awards and recognition
Filing Offices and Accessibility
Notes
Students must memorize which officials file where for examination purposes
Examples
- The President files SALN with the Ombudsman national office
- A provincial governor files with the Regional Deputy Ombudsman
- An Army general files with the Office of the President
- A municipal clerk files with the Civil Service Commission
The filing system is organized by level and type of office to ensure proper oversight and accessibility. Higher-level officials file with national offices while regional officials file locally.
Main points
- Constitutional and national elective officials file with Ombudsman national office
- Senators/Congressmen with respective Secretaries; Justices with SC Clerk; Judges with Court Administrator
- Regional and local officials with Deputy Ombudsman in their regions
- Military officers (Colonel/Captain and above) with Office of the President
- Other officials with Civil Service Commission
Diagram
Decision tree showing where different officials file their SALN documents
Key Examination Points and Common Violations
Notes
This summary slide helps students focus their review on high-probability examination topics
Examples
- CSE question: 'Which is NOT a prohibited act?' - look for authorized exceptions
- Scenario questions about gift acceptance - consider source, value, and timing
- SALN filing deadlines - April 30 is the most frequently tested date
Understanding the most commonly tested aspects helps in CSE preparation. Focus on memorizing specific time periods, definitions, and the logic behind prohibited acts and required disclosures.
Main points
- Most tested: Definition of public officials, gift prohibitions, SALN requirements, conflict of interest
- Common violations: Accepting gifts, failing to file SALN, maintaining conflicting business interests
- Time periods: 15 days for responses, 30/60 days for divestment, April 30 for annual SALN
- Remember exceptions: Constitutional authorization for practice, foreign government gift exceptions
Diagram
Key examination areas for CSE preparation on RA 6713
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Notes
This concluding slide reinforces the comprehensive nature and ultimate goal of RA 6713
Examples
- The law's comprehensive approach addresses prevention, detection, and correction of ethical violations
- Public access to information empowers citizens to hold officials accountable
- The incentive system shows that ethical behavior is valued and rewarded
RA 6713 represents the Philippines' commitment to good governance through ethical public service. It provides both the standards expected of public servants and the mechanisms to ensure compliance and recognize excellence.
Main points
- RA 6713 establishes comprehensive ethical framework for all public servants
- Balances restrictions with incentives to promote good governance
- Transparency through SALN and public access ensures accountability
- Covers all aspects from personal conduct to professional duties
- Serves as foundation for integrity in Philippine public service
Diagram
Complete cycle showing how RA 6713 components build toward public trust
In summary
RA 6713 serves as the cornerstone of ethical governance in the Philippines, establishing clear standards for public officials while providing mechanisms for accountability and recognition. Understanding this law is essential for anyone preparing for the Civil Service Examination, as it represents the fundamental principles that should guide all public service activities. The law's comprehensive approach - from personal conduct norms to specific prohibited acts, from disclosure requirements to incentive systems - demonstrates the Philippines' commitment to maintaining public trust through transparent and ethical governance.