Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6713)
The title of Republic Act No. 6713 is the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees."
The policy of the State is to promote a high standard of ethics in public service. Public officials and employees shall be accountable to the people, discharge their duties with responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest.
Government includes the National Government, local governments, and all other instrumentalities, agencies or branches of the Republic of the Philippines including government-owned or controlled corporations, and their subsidiaries.
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, regardless of compensation amount.
A 'Gift' refers to anything disposed of gratuitously or as a liberality, including simulated sales or onerous dispositions, but excludes unsolicited gifts of nominal or insignificant value not given in anticipation of or in exchange for favors.
They must exhibit commitment to public interest, professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality, responsiveness to the public, nationalism and patriotism, commitment to democracy, and simple living.
Public officials must respond promptly within 15 working days to public letters and requests, process documents expeditiously, act immediately on public transactions, and make documents accessible to the public during reasonable working hours.
The Act creates a system where outstanding public officials and employees may receive bonuses, citations, directorships, scholarships, paid vacations, automatic promotion with salary adjustment, among others, via a Committee on Awards composed of key government officials.
Prohibited acts include having financial or material interest in transactions requiring their approval, outside employment in regulated private enterprises without permission, misuse of confidential information, solicitation or acceptance of gifts related to official duties, among others.
Public officials and employees must file under oath their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, and Disclosure of Business Interests, including those of their spouses and unmarried children under 18 living in their households, within 30 days of assumption, annually by April 30, and within 30 days after separation from service.
Violations can be punished by fines not exceeding six months' salary, suspension up to one year, removal from office, imprisonment up to five years, fines up to P5,000, or a combination, depending on the severity of the offense. Private individuals involved can also be penalized.
The Civil Service Commission has primary responsibility for administering and enforcing the Act. It can institute administrative actions, disciplinary measures, promulgate necessary rules and regulations, and transmit cases for prosecution.
A public official must divest any shareholdings or interest in private businesses that conflict with their official duties within 60 days of assuming office, or resign from such positions within 30 days. This does not apply to honorary, laborer, or temporary positions.
Yes. Acceptance and retention of nominal value gifts as souvenirs, scholarships, medical treatment, or travel grants outside the Philippines consistent with national interest and approved by the head of office are allowed under certain regulations prescribed by the Ombudsman.