Definitions
- DOST refers to the Department of Science and Technology as established by Executive Order No. 128.
- DOST System includes all offices, regional offices, attached agencies, sectoral councils, research institutes, service institutes, and advisory bodies.
- Agency Head means Council Executive Directors, Institute Directors, or Regional Directors.
- Confidential information includes non-public data such as drafts, research results, internal memoranda, and pending case records.
- Immediate family includes spouse, children, siblings, parents, grandparents, and grandchildren.
- Common-law relations refer to a spouse and children from a relationship without marriage.
- Primary employment means full-time service evidenced by an appointment within the DOST System.
- Outside employment refers to any employment other than primary employment.
Guiding Principles
- Pride in serving the DOST System and upholding national scientific and technological goals.
- Cooperation and support for fulfilling mandates related to science and technology.
- Provision of efficient, effective, and prompt scientific and technological services.
- Continuous professional growth and skill development.
- Protection of the DOST's reputation and that of colleagues.
Standards of Conduct
- God-fearing and humane conduct, respecting the sanctity of human life and dignity of individuals.
- Personal integrity, pride in public service, modest lifestyle, and exemplary behavior.
- Efficient and quality performance of duties with good faith.
- Sharing expertise freely, encouraging colleagues' development, and avoiding harassment.
- No use of position for personal or others’ undue advantage.
- Fair and equal treatment of all persons without discrimination.
- Generosity in service, including voluntary assistance and sharing knowledge.
- Courage to uphold public interest, follow rules without fear, and assert rights.
Duties and Obligations
To the Public
- Recognize that public office is a trust and act to maintain public confidence.
- Avoid misuse of power and resolve conflicts in favor of public interest.
- Disclose any knowledge of fraud, corruption, or maladministration.
- Attend duties diligently and treat the public courteously, honestly, and fairly.
- Avoid discrimination in official functions.
- Maintain professional and cordial relationships with clients.
- Protect public records from unauthorized alteration.
- Act immediately on written or verbal requests within a maximum of 15 days unless otherwise provided by law.
To Co-Workers
- Maintain harmonious and respectful relationships.
- Avoid harming colleagues' honor or prying into private lives.
- Be cooperative, flexible, and willing to share knowledge.
- Avoid conduct that could be construed as harassment.
To the Government
- Ensure prompt, efficient delivery of services.
- Aid in maintaining a scientifically informed population.
- Pay all due taxes.
- Use government resources responsibly, avoiding waste or abuse.
- Keep abreast of government programs and global trends in science and technology.
Confidentiality
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information acquired during and after employment.
- Do not disclose confidential information to unauthorized persons unless authorized by designated authority.
- Confidential information from applicants or others must be protected.
Conflict of Interest and Prohibited Acts
- Avoid any conflict of interest that impairs objectivity or benefits self, family, or relations.
- Restriction on application or receipt of grants that may cause conflict.
- Consultancy services must be approved and disclosed.
- Prohibited from entering into contracts with DOST outside of employment or assisting family members to do so.
- Forbidden from receiving tips or gifts from persons with transactions involving DOST.
- Exceptions allowed for social functions, public awards, ordinary commercial loans, and donations not from prohibited persons.
- Outside employment allowed only with DOST Secretary approval, outside work hours, and no conflict or adverse effects on DOST duties.
Incentives and Rewards
- Recognition and rewards to encourage productive, creative, innovative, and ethical behavior under DOST's PRAISE program.
Penalties and Complaint Procedure
- Violations subject to administrative charges under DOST and Civil Service Laws.
- Complaints may be initiated motu propio or by verified complaint from any person.
- Secretary is the overall disciplining authority; agency heads hold authority in their units.
- Cases may be filed with the Ombudsman and Civil Service Commission as appropriate.
Applicability of Related Guidelines
- In absence of specific provisions, ethical guidelines for researchers by NAST and PCHRD may apply analogously.
Effectivity
- Code becomes effective 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette.