QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 6713)
RA 6713 declares the State’s policy to promote a high standard of ethics in public service, emphasizing that public officials and employees must be accountable to the people and discharge duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty—upholding public interest over personal interest.
It covers elective and appointive officials and employees (permanent or temporary; career or non-career), including military and police personnel, whether or not they receive compensation and regardless of amount.
A “gift” is anything disposed of gratuitously or any liberality, including simulated sale or an ostensibly onerous disposition. It excludes unsolicited gifts of nominal and insignificant value not given in anticipation of or in exchange for a favor.
Acceptance is included in the prohibited framework even on family celebrations or holidays if the gift is not nominal/insignificant and is given in anticipation of or in exchange for a favor.
Commitment to public interest, professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality, responsiveness to the public, nationalism and patriotism, commitment to democracy, and simple living.
Officials must respond to letters/communications within 15 working days, process documents expeditiously with reasonable time and not more than three signatories when practicable, act promptly on personal transactions, and make public documents accessible within reasonable working hours.
Heads or responsible officers must render an annual performance report within 45 working days from the end of the year, and it must be open/available to the public within regular office hours.
RA 6713 creates a Committee on Awards to Outstanding Public Officials and Employees composed of the Ombudsman and Chairman of the Civil Service Commission as co-chairmen, the Chairman of the Commission on Audit, and two government employees appointed by the President.
Public officials and employees may not, directly or indirectly, have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their office.
They may not own/control/manage or accept employment as officer/employee/consultant/counsel/broker/agent/trustee/nominee in a private enterprise regulated/supervised/licensed by their office unless allowed by law; may not engage in private practice unless authorized by Constitution or law and not conflicting with official functions; and may not recommend persons to positions in private enterprises with regular/pending official transactions with their office.
Yes. They generally continue for one (1) year after resignation, retirement, or separation. However, for professionals, an additional limitation applies: they cannot practice their profession in connection with any matter before the office they used to be with; the one-year prohibition still applies.
Officials and employees may not use or divulge confidential or classified information gained by reason of office and not made available to the public either to further private interest or give undue advantage, or to prejudice the public interest.
It generally prohibits soliciting or accepting any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary value in the course of duties or connected to functions affecting regulated/transactional operations. Exceptions include (1) nominal souvenir/courtesy gifts; (2) scholarships/fellowships; (3) medical treatment; and (4) travel grants/expenses for travel entirely outside the Philippines of more than nominal value when appropriate/consistent with Philippine interests and permitted by the head of office/agency.
They must file under oath a Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and a Disclosure of Business Interests and Financial Connections, covering their spouses and unmarried children under 18 living in their households—except those serving honorarily and laborers/casual or temporary workers.
Within 30 days after assumption of office; on or before April 30 every year thereafter; and within 30 days after separation from service.
Divestment is the transfer of title/disposal of interest in property by voluntarily and completely depriving oneself of right/title in favor of persons other than spouse and relatives defined in the Act. When a conflict arises, the official must resign from private business within 30 days from assumption of office and/or divest shareholdings/interest within 60 days from such assumption.
Administrative violations may lead to fine (up to six months’ salary) or suspension (up to one year) or removal depending on gravity after notice and hearing. Violations of Sections 7, 8, or 9 may lead to imprisonment up to 5 years or fine up to P5,000 or both, and disqualification at the court’s discretion. Proven violations in a proper administrative proceeding are sufficient cause for removal/dismissal even without criminal prosecution.