Question & AnswerQ&A (CSC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 14)
The main purpose of CSC Memorandum Circular No. 14 is to prescribe a dress code for all government officials and employees to maintain modesty and proper decorum in the civil service, in line with RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
The office uniforms prescribed by the different government agencies/offices serve as the official attire and shall be worn according to the assigned schedule.
No, employees must be dressed appropriately with preferably business clothes, excluding party attire, picnic clothes, sandos, and t-shirts.
The use of tight-fitting, seductive, micro-mini, and gauzy/flimsy/transparent dresses is prohibited for female employees.
Walking shorts, pedal pushers, leggings, tights, jogging pants, and maong (denim) pants are prohibited. However, pantaloons or pants worn for formal occasions are allowed.
The use of too much costume jewelry, flashy bangles, and similar accessories is prohibited. Ostentatious display of expensive jewelry is strongly discouraged and prohibited, except for special occasions and official celebrations.
No, wearing heavy or theatrical make-up is prohibited.
Wearing slippers, sandals, bakya (wooden clogs), and similar footwear is banned. Only appropriate footwear is allowed.
No, it is considered taboo to use curlers, turbans, and bandannas during office hours and within office premises.
Yes, exemptions may be allowed for reasons such as the nature of work requiring different clothing, religious affiliation or creed, physical disabilities, or other analogous circumstances.
Violation of the dress code is considered a ground for disciplinary action against government officials and employees.
The Memorandum Circular took effect immediately upon adoption on April 25, 1991.