DENR Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards

The Code is titled "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources".
Objectives include guiding employees in ethical situations, promoting accountability, protecting employees from unethical superior conduct, upholding public trust, and setting high integrity standards.
Vision: A nation enjoying sustainable natural resources and a clean, healthy environment.
Mission: To lead sustainable development and stakeholder participation in environmental protection.
Core Values include responsibility, accountability, efficiency, modesty in lifestyle, professionalism, due diligence, nationalism, and effective resource management.

Applies to all DENR officials and employees regardless of employment status, including contractual and those on leave.
Complements existing laws like the Administrative Code, RA 6713, and Civil Service Commission rules.
Former officials and employees are barred from transacting with former offices or subordinates for one year post-separation, except for consultancy services.
Compulsorily retired personnel cannot be hired as consultants.

Officials must faithfully implement ENR laws and comply with lawful directives.
Powers must be exercised lawfully and responsibly with public assistance provided per law.
Prevent abusive conduct, discrimination, and sexual harassment; violations are punishable.
Ensure safe, sanitary workplaces; observe proper office decorum including uniforms and IDs.
Actively implement DENR Citizen's Charter for service efficiency.

Avoid breaches of public trust and resolve conflicts between personal and public interests in favor of the latter.
Treat stakeholders with honesty, impartiality, fairness, and respect.
Notify authorities of legal and ethical violations.
Promote leadership consistent with the Code.
Acknowledge subordinates’ work and encourage professional development.
Merit-based recruitment is observed with Personnel Selection Board recommendations.

Defined as involvement of officials, employees, or relatives up to the 4th degree in businesses or licenses transacting with DENR.
Officials must identify, declare, and resolve conflicts of interest in favor of government.
Business and financial interests must be disclosed in the Annual Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
Unauthorized professional practice disallowed.
Violations subject to publication per existing regulations.

Administrative complaints are referred to Legal Service division for disposition.
Anonymous and unsigned complaints generally dismissed unless there is substantial evidence.
Procedural rules for preliminary and formal investigations are outlined, including timelines and standards of evidence.
Cases filed with the Ombudsman involving the same parties handled with coordination to avoid duplication.
Alternative Dispute Resolution applied to appropriate cases like personal disputes and non-graft related issues.
Work-related issues addressed through grievance machinery excluding disciplinary and sexual harassment cases.

Prohibition on receiving gifts in exchange for improper exercise of official functions.
Gifts exceeding Php 5,000 presumed as given for improper purposes.
Includes travel, meals, accommodations as gifts.
Exceptions apply to relatives within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity.
Violations punishable under applicable laws.

Appointments favoring relatives within the 3rd civil degree by appointing or supervising authority prohibited.
Exceptions for confidential capacity employees.
Violators subject to penalties and appointments revoked.
Employment of family members in DENR offices discouraged.

Recognizes public right to access official information subject to legal confidentiality limits.
Prohibits unauthorized use or disclosure harmful to DENR's interests.
DENR holds ownership of scholarly works from government-sponsored grants; unauthorized use punishable.

Encourages truthful reporting of wrongdoing with penalties for false allegations.
Voluntary disclosures must be written, signed, and under oath with documented evidence.
Disclosure required for fraud or waste involving Php 1,000,000 or environmental risks.
Informants' testimony may be compelled when necessary for litigation.
Failure to report misconduct results in liability and penalties.

Internal reporters have right to demand immediate actions.
Identities and disclosures to be kept confidential and protected against retaliation.
Retaliators held liable under existing laws.
Confidentiality duties do not preclude protected disclosure.
Internal reporters entitled to commendations, promotions, or monetary incentives depending on case merit.

Administrative Service (Central Office) and Legal Division (Regional Offices) lead anti-corruption programs.
Serve as hearing office for breaches of the Code and related rules.
Handle complaints and coordinate with Ombudsman on employee lifestyle monitoring.
Legal Service handles appeals involving Code violations.

Administrative offenses prosecuted with possibility of criminal and civil charges.
Violations of the Citizen's Charter punishable under RA 9485.

Inconsistent DENR orders and regulations repealed, amended, or modified except where heavier penalties apply.

Invalidity of any provision does not affect the validity of remaining parts of the Code.

Code takes effect 15 days after publication and registration with the UP Law Center.