Legal basis and ethical objective
- The circular is issued in line with Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
- The circular is intended to maintain modesty and proper decorum in the civil service.
Who must comply and where
- The dress code applies to all government officials and employees in the government services.
- Compliance is required when reporting for work.
- Prohibitions on improper attire and accessories apply within the office premises and during office hours, including taboos on certain items.
Required attire and uniform schedule
- Office uniforms prescribed by the different government agencies/offices are the official attire of all government officials and employees.
- Office uniforms must be worn in accordance with the assigned schedule.
- When employees are exempted from wearing the prescribed office uniform, they must wear clothes that are appropriate.
- Exempt employees must wear preferably business clothes and must not wear party attire, picnic clothes, sandos, or t-shirts at work.
Prohibited attire for female employees
- The use of tightfitting, seductive, micro-mini, and gauzy/flimsy/transparent dresses by female employees is prohibited.
Prohibited pants, shorts, and similar clothing
- Walking shorts are prohibited.
- Pedal pushers are prohibited.
- Leggings are prohibited.
- Tights are prohibited.
- Jogging and maong pants are prohibited.
- Pantaloons, or such other pants worn for formal occasions, are allowed.
Jewelry and accessory restrictions
- The use of too much costume jewelry, flashy bangles, and similar accessories is prohibited.
- Ostentatious display of expensive jewelry is strongly discouraged.
- Ostentatious display of expensive jewelry is prohibited, except for special occasions and official celebration.
Cosmetics and grooming prohibitions
- The wearing of heavy or theatrical make-up is prohibited.
- It is taboo to use curlers, turbans, and bandannas during office hours and within office premises.
Footwear ban in office premises
- Wearing slippers, sandals, bakya, and similar footwear in office premises is banned.
- Only appropriate footwear is allowed.
Exemptions for compliance
- Exemptions may be allowed based on any of the following reasons:
- When, by the nature of work of the employees concerned, they necessarily must wear other appropriate clothing.
- Religious affiliation or creed or any practice in relation thereto.
- Physical disabilities.
- Other analogous circumstances of any of the afore-mentioned reasons.
Disciplinary consequence for violations
- Any violation of CSC Memorandum Circular No. 14 is a ground for disciplinary action.
- The circular requires strict compliance.