Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR)
The title is the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)."
Section 1, Article XI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states that "Public office is a public trust. 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."
It applies to all officials and employees regardless of employment status within the DENR and its attached agencies, including those on leave and those classified as contractual regardless of any stipulation of the absence of an employer-employee relationship.
Objectives include serving as a tool to attain DENR vision and mission, providing ethical guidance, sharpening standards of public service accountability and good governance, protecting employees against unethical behavior, developing public trust, promoting professionalism, and impressing required standards of behavior.
The core values include responsibility and accountability over natural resources, integrity, accountability and transparency, efficiency in services, modesty and simplicity in lifestyle, professionalism and discipline, due diligence in decision-making, promotion of nationalism and patriotism, and partnership with stakeholders.
Former officials and employees are prohibited within one year from separation from transacting with their former offices and subordinates, except for consultancy services which are not allowed for those who have compulsorily retired.
They must avoid conflicts of interest, identify and declare areas of conflicts upon assumption and anytime necessary, resolve conflicts in favor of the government, and disclose business and financial interests in their Annual Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN).
No official or employee shall receive any gift in consideration of improper exercise of official functions. Any gift over Php 5,000 (except from relatives within third degree) is presumed to be given for improper consideration and is prohibited.
Complaints may be disposed without investigation if anonymous, unnamed, or lacking merit; or subjected to preliminary or formal investigation depending on merit and evidence. Dispositions include dismissal, imposition of penalties, or referral to the Environmental Ombudsman.
Internal reporters have the right to demand action, have their identity and information kept confidential, be protected from retaliatory actions including threats and poor evaluations, and may be entitled to commendations, promotions, or in graft cases, monetary incentives.