ACTIVITY #1_Public Ethics

PCpl Kristine Dee L Velasco

1. What is the role of ethics in public service?

The role of ethics in public service is to ensure that the organization has a high
standard of ethics in rendering public service specifically on what is the right thing to do amidst
the diverse culture, attitude, moral and religious affiliations of each public servant. It also serves
as a guide in dealing with other people in order not to hurt them but will influence them to do
good and uplifts their morals. Ethics helps a public servant to do what he is obligated to do and
a driving force that will helps to choose right over wrong. You will work in a manner that is
acceptable and will establish a good relationship with other people. Moreover, when
confronted with hard situations, ethics provides an insight on what is the best decision you can
make that is beneficial not only to the organization but more importantly to the public that we
serve.
Every police officer must adhere and learn the ethical standards, consequently, it
creates a good image of the organization, enhances the services we offer and thereby giving the
best public service.

2. What do you mean by “Public office is a public trust”?

Public office is a public trust means that Public Officers and employees must at all
times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty
and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives as stipulated in article XI,
section 1 of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
Being a police officer is a great privilege because not all is fortunate to be one.
Nonetheless, being a police officer bears a great responsibility to the public that relies and
expects an excellent public service from a public office that it holds. The public places its trust
to a public official like us. Therefore, this trust that we obtain must be respected.
It is our duty to render service honestly and fairly without discrimination, without
fear and favor. Further, we must render service with integrity, intelligence and competence
and uphold public interest over and above personal interest. Lastly, as a public image we must
be a role model living with modest and virtuous life.

3. Why organizational-personal value conflicts exist in the PNP/Public safety organization?

Organizational-personal value conflicts exist in the PNP/Public safety organization
because of internal and external factors. Internal factors would mean within the
organization. For example, police officers are demoralized when some of the superiors
ignores or flouts the core values of the PNP. Some superiors also pressure their
subordinates to compromise ethical standards because of accomplishments, positions or
personal gains. Other example also are the organizational goals/targets that are impossible
to lower units to achieve which sometimes pressures and prompts the police officers to
have a double standard in their core values just to have an accomplishment.
External factors pertains to the individual character of a police officer.
Organizational and personal value conflicts because of different attitude, work environment
and community origin that influence and motivates an individual in the performance of duty.
For example some are not contented of what they have. They want some more even if their
sworn duties and responsibilities will be compromised just to meet their lavished lifestyle.
Further, some personnel entered the police service motivated with bad intentions. They use
their position for personal gains and to advance their evil doings which in turn would affect
the image of the organization as a whole and worst is the capability to influence others to do
the same.

4. Identify and explain at least 3 factors that will lead to good governance to a better
Philippines.

The three factors that will lead to good governance to a better Philippines are to
uphold the ethical standards of the organization and as stipulated in the Code of Conduct
and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees of RA 6713, maintain your integrity
and strengthen public accountability.

Upholding the ethical standards of the organization is the key to maintain a high
standard of morality and professionalism and provokes your conscience to always do the
right thing and avoid what is wrong. Good ethics will then establish a good reputation and
fulfills the public. On the other hand, maintaining our integrity enhance us to be more
valuable because we gain the trust and confidence of the public. It will build a positive,
healthy relationships where people are more willing to work with the government. Lastly, is
to strengthen public accountability which helps to eradicate corruption and serves as an
avenue to monitor and control government conduct and prevents abuse of power.