QuestionsQuestions (OP ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 255)
It cites (1) Section 1, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution (public office is a public trust; accountability, integrity, loyalty, efficiency; modesty; patriotism and justice); and (2) Section 27, Article II (honesty and integrity in the public service).
It cites Section 23, Article II of the Constitution, which directs the State to encourage participation of non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral organizations in promoting the welfare of the nation; this supports Section 2 requiring agencies to enlist religious, civil society, and civic groups.
Section 2 of RA 6713 is cited for the State’s policy to promote a high standard of ethics in public service, aligning the moral renewal requirement with statutory ethics obligations.
Section 39, Chapter 8, Book IV of Executive Order No. 292 is cited, stating that the Secretary of a department shall have supervision and control over bureaus, offices, and agencies under him.
All cabinet secretaries/heads of agencies are directed to adopt and implement a Moral Renewal program in their agencies.
It refers to values formation and ethical behavior for government officers and employees, plus strengthening people’s values to achieve zero tolerance for corruption.
The Order highlights: (i) maka-Diyos (faith in the Almighty), (ii) makatao (truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, peace), (iii) makabayan (respect for law/government, patriotism, common good, just and humane society), and (iv) makalikasan (conservation and development of patrimony).
IDAP is described as the National Anti-Corruption Framework for the Executive Branch; agencies must ensure that all bureaus, regional offices, and attached agencies adopt and implement the IDAP.
They must expand and strengthen the membership of the Integrity Committee in every department, agency, bureau, and office.
Agencies must formulate, promulgate, and adopt an agency-specific Code of Conduct, or update existing Codes of Conduct to reflect the IDAP.
The Order includes values formation activities of the Presidential Council on Values Formation as part of the required Moral Renewal program components.
It requires strict observance by all public officers, especially Cabinet Secretaries, of the principle that their leadership should exemplify the desired ethical and moral standards.
They must enlist their participation through consultations, program development, promotion, and implementation of the agencies’ Moral Renewal Program.
Agencies must submit their respective Action Plans for their Moral Renewal Program to the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), with a copy furnished the President.
Within ninety (90) days from effectivity of the Administrative Order.
PAGC must monitor and evaluate implementation and effectiveness, including conducting surveys and obtaining feedback from agency officers and employees at all levels about how their respective heads comply and adopt the principles in the Order.
PAGC must submit regular reports to the President on progress and status, and copy furnish all religious, civil society, and civic groups enlisted under Section 2.
Agencies must allocate a portion of their maintenance, operations and overhead expenditures (MOOE) for funding the Moral Renewal Program.
It takes effect immediately after publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.
The Order contemplates effectiveness assessment through surveys and feedback from agency officers and employees at all levels regarding compliance of agency heads and adoption of the Order’s principles.