A Reflection on the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees

As a civil servant, I and my fellow co-workers are bound to observe Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.”

The law explicitly states the following norms of conduct that every public official and employee are obliged to uphold:

1.    Commitment to Public Interest – “Officials and employees shall always uphold public interest over personal interest.”

The needs of the public shall always take precedence over self-interest. This can be seen particularly in government offices that offer frontline services which prominently display the signage of “No noon break.”

2.    Professionalism – “Officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill.”

Public servants are expected to be capacitated with technical competencies to more than adequately perform their responsibilities. In our office, we are constantly reminded of going out of our way to ensure the satisfaction of our stakeholders will be attained.

3.    Justness and sincerity – “Officials and employees shall remain true to the people at all times. They must act with justness and sincerity and shall not discriminate against anyone, especially the poor and the underprivileged.”

The key phrase here is the emphasis to serve the disadvantaged Filipinos, as this sector of the society especially needs government intervention to uplift their standard of living.

4.    Political neutrality - “Officials and employees shall provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination regardless of party affiliation or preference. “

Whichever political colored flag one is waving, it should not be a hindrance to access government service.

5.    Responsiveness to the public – “Officials and employees shall extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service to the public.”

At our office, we have developed and prominently displayed our Citizen’s Charter, which diagrams the number of steps and the key personnel to transact with when availing of a particular service.

6.    Nationalism and patriotism – “Officials and employees shall at all times be loyal to the Republic and to the Filipino people, promote the use of locally produced goods, resources and technology and encourage appreciation and pride of country and people.”

We regularly pledge our loyalty and allegiance to the Philippines during the Monday morning flag-raising ceremonies.

7.    Commitment to democracy – “Officials and employees shall commit themselves to the democratic way of life and values, maintain the principle of public accountability and manifest by deeds the supremacy of civilian authority over the military.”

The rule of law and ethical standards should always prevail in the discharge of our duties.

8.    Simple living – “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 is manifested with the regular annual submission of our Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) to promote transparency in our wages.

With the onset of the election season in 2016, and the circus-like atmosphere that will ensue, I call on my fellow Lasallian Business Leaders to be reminded of these precepts in actively selecting our top officials that will shape our country’s policy directions for the next six years.