REPUBLIC Act (RA) 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards

for Public Officials and Employees, or RA 6713 provides the eight

norms of conduct that every government official or employee must
live by. These are commitment to public interest, professionalism,
justness and sincerity, political neutrality, responsiveness to the public,
nationalism and patriotism, commitment to democracy, and simple
living. Each public official and employee is required to observe these
as standards of personal conduct in the discharge and execution of
official duties.

First is commitment to public interest. Every public official or

employee must remember that he/she is a public servant. Thus, the
interest of the public should always come before his/her personal
interest. This explains why in the recruitment, selection, and placement
process, it is emphasized that the person being appointed in the
career service of the local government should not be related to the
appointing authority within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity
(blood relation) or affinity (marriage relation). In addition, government
employees must not waste resources and funds of the government
and ensure that these are used efficiently, effectively, honestly and
economically. (USE OF BOND PAPER)

Next is professionalism. This means that every public official or

employee should perform and discharge their duties and
responsibilities with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism,
intelligence and skill. They must serve the public with utmost devotion
and dedication to duty. Government employees must work hard and
ensure that they work for eight hours a day and must not waste
company hours whenever they are in the office. At the same time, they
are also expected to respond "in the exigency of the service" and
perform other tasks that are needed to be accomplished. CANCELLED
FORCED LEAVE IN EXIGENCY OF SERVICE

The third norm is justness and sincerity which means that government
employees and officials must remain sincere and true to the people
they serve at all times. They should treat people equally and must not
discriminate against anyone especially the poor and the
underprivileged. They should, at all times, refrain from doing acts
contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public policy, public
order, public safety and public interest. Justness and sincerity is
semantically related. In legislation for example, the perks and
privileges of our representatives, they have discretion over the
allocation, use and disbursement of development funds, san ng aba
mapupunta, pantay pantay ba?

Next is political neutrality, and this is an important reminder to all

government employees every election that “no officer or employee in
the civil service, as well as any member of the military, shall engage,
directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political activity,
except to vote,” as stipulated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Civil
servants are mandated by law to uphold political neutrality in the
conduct of our duties even during election season.

The fifth norm is responsiveness to the public which means that at all
times, they must extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service to
the public. This is why the government has come up with the Anti-Red
Tape Act or the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007 through Republic
Act No. 9485 which aims to promote ease in doing business with
government agencies and streamline the processes particularly those
that are considered as frontline services.

Next is nationalism and patriotism which means that public officials

and employees must remain loyal to the country and the Filipino
people, and protect the Philippine sovereignty against foreign
intrusion. If and whenever possible, advocate the use of our own
language and dialects, and engage in programs and projects that
support the history and culture of the nation. In short tangkilikin ang
sariling atin.

The seventh norm is the commitment to democracy. This means that

government officials must always uphold the constitution and
democracy in his/her exercise of public service. They should always
maintain the principle of public accountability and manifest by deeds
the supremacy of civilian authority over the military. Believe and
practice democratic way of life. Respect the Constitution which serves
as the bible of all citizens.

Lastly, and I think one of the most important norms is simple living.
This means that their lifestyle should be modest and appropriate to
their positions and income. All public servants, including elected and
appointed officials must veer away from the extravagant or
ostentatious display of wealth in any form.

1. Commitment to Public Interest. Always show positive attitude in your

job. Never allow your personal interest to interfere in your work. Always
put the client first in all situations.
2. Professionalism. Perform your job in the best that you can so your clients
will be satisfied in your service.
3. Justness and Sincerity. Be honest and sincere. Provide good service to
your clients and be fair.
4. Political Neutrality. Do not get involved in any political party. Provide
services to the clients regardless of their political affiliation. Respect
everyone’s differences and rights.
5. Responsiveness to the Public. Entertain the clients with high respect.
Always give them proper attention based on the help they need.
6. Commitment to Democracy. Believe and practice democratic way of life.
Respect the Constitution which serves as the bible of all citizens.
7. Simple Living. Just live appropriate to your income. Don’t pursue
something beyond your means/ capacity. Live with simplicity but with
honor and integrity.