Title
Supreme Court
Dress code for government employees
Law
Csc Memorandum Circular No. 14
Decision Date
Apr 25, 1991
The Civil Service Commission mandates a strict dress code for all government officials and employees to ensure modesty and proper decorum, prohibiting casual and inappropriate attire while allowing exemptions for specific circumstances.

Law Summary

Official Attire Requirements

  • Must wear office uniforms prescribed by their respective government agencies or offices.
  • Uniforms are to be worn in accordance with the schedule assigned by the agency.

Alternative Dress on Non-uniform Days

  • Employees exempted from wearing the prescribed uniform should wear appropriate clothing, preferably business attire.
  • Prohibited attire includes party clothes, picnic clothes, sleeveless shirts (sandos), and t-shirts.

Prohibited Clothing for Female Employees

  • Tightfitting, seductive, micro-mini, gauzy, flimsy, or transparent dresses are banned.

Prohibited Clothing for All Employees

  • Walking shorts, pedal pushers, leggings, tights, jogging pants, and maong (denim) pants are prohibited.
  • Pantaloons or other pants suitable for formal occasions are allowed.

Restrictions on Accessories

  • Wearing excessive costume jewelry, flashy bangles, or similar accessories is prohibited.
  • Ostentatious display of expensive jewelry is discouraged and only allowed during special occasions or official celebrations.

Makeup and Footwear Limitations

  • Heavy or theatrical makeup is prohibited.
  • Wearing slippers, sandals, bakya (wooden clogs), and similar footwear inside office premises is banned.
  • Only appropriate footwear is allowed.

Prohibitions on Hair and Headwear

  • Use of curlers, turbans, and bandannas during office hours and within office premises is forbidden.

Exemptions

  • Exemptions allowed for employees whose nature of work requires different attire.
  • Religious affiliation, creed, or related practices may justify exemption.
  • Physical disabilities or similar analogous circumstances may warrant exemptions.

Enforcement and Penalties

  • Violations of the dress code are grounds for disciplinary action.
  • The Memorandum Circular took effect immediately upon issuance.

Implementation

  • Strict compliance is mandated.
  • Issued and signed by the Civil Service Commission Chairman, Patricia A. Sto. Tomas, on April 25, 1991.

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