QuestionsQuestions (BUCOR SPECIAL ORDER NO. 127, S. 2008)
It is an administrative issuance by the Bureau of Corrections that promulgates internal norms of behavior and ethical standards specifically applicable to all BuCor officials and employees. Its purpose is to reinforce honesty, integrity, accountability, and proper conduct consistent with the Constitution and existing civil service and RA 6713 rules, given BuCor’s special mandate of custody and rehabilitation of national prisoners.
They have common application to all officials and employees of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
The core values are: (1) patriotism and nationalism; (2) commitment to the rule of law and public interest; (3) honesty, integrity and professionalism; (4) accountability and transparency in actions in or related to office; (5) impartiality and political neutrality; (6) utmost dedication, diligence, responsiveness, justness and sincerity in serving the people; and (7) simplicity in lifestyle.
BuCor officials and employees must avoid impropriety and even the appearance of impropriety in all their activities.
It prohibits discrimination or dispensing undue favors to anyone. It also states that kinship, rank, position, affiliation, or favors must not influence the performance of official acts or duties.
Assets and resources (including funds, properties, goods and services) must be used economically, productively, effectively, and only for official activities.
Confidential information means information not yet made available to the public relating to pending cases, complaints, investigations, procurements, prison records, and other BuCor transactions, including notes, drafts, research papers, internal memoranda, and similar papers.
They must not disclose confidential information acquired in the course of employment, and must not use or divulge confidential or classified information to further private interests, give undue advantage, prejudice the public interest, or prejudice the interest and integrity of BuCor.
Access may be granted only to co-employees/parties upon written request approved by the Director and/or his duly authorized representative.
BuCor officials and employees shall not alter, falsify, conceal, destroy, or mutilate any record.
A conflict exists when (a) a BuCor official’s/employee’s objectivity is impaired or may reasonably appear impaired; (b) personal concerns run counter to office objectives; or (c) an official act results in undue personal benefit or advantage for the official/employee or relatives within the fourth civil degree by consanguinity or affinity.
Examples include: (1) entering into contracts with BuCor for procurement of supplies/services or lease/sale of property (also extending to relatives within the fourth degree); and (2) participating in official action involving a party with whom the official or a relative is negotiating for future employment.
Officials and employees must treat the public with utmost respect, courtesy, consideration and reason, avoid activities that invite suspicion of lack of objectivity, impartiality or propriety, and refrain from conduct that might bring discredit or embarrassment to BuCor.
It prohibits inappropriate public comments, including statements of personal opinions that can be construed as official.
Employment in BuCor is full-time. Outside employment is allowed only after securing proper authority and only if: performed outside normal working hours; not incompatible with duties; does not require private practice of profession (except for instructor/professor/lecturer/resource person/notary public); and does not require or induce disclosure of confidential information.
Former BuCor officials/employees who join the private sector in employment bearing a direct relationship to their former position are strictly prohibited from meeting, transacting, or dealing (directly or indirectly) with incumbent BuCor officials/employees on any matter/case pending with the office.
Any violation is a ground for disciplinary action, without prejudice to the filing of appropriate criminal charges if warranted.