Title
BUCOR Norms of Behavior and Ethics
Law
Bucor Special Order No. 127, S. 2008
Decision Date
Mar 5, 2008
A Philippine Jurisprudence case highlights the establishment of norms of behavior for officials and employees of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), emphasizing the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in public service, with violations potentially leading to disciplinary action or criminal charges.
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Core Values

  • Upholding honesty and integrity to enhance public service quality.
  • BuCor personnel must accept voluntary personal restrictions.
  • Must act consistent with BuCor's dignity and mandate (custody and rehabilitation of prisoners).
  • Core values include patriotism, national interest, adherence to law, honesty, accountability, political neutrality, dedication, diligence, responsiveness, justice, sincerity, and simplicity.

Fidelity to Duty

  • Loyalty to the people and commitment to office mandate.
  • Prohibition against discrimination or undue favors.
  • Duties must be performed efficiently, promptly, fairly, without bias or prejudice.
  • Avoidance of impropriety or the appearance thereof.
  • Prohibition on conduct incompatible with official duties.
  • Full commitment during working hours.
  • Equal treatment regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or political beliefs.
  • Responsible use of government assets and resources strictly for official purposes.
  • Courteous conduct toward the public.

Confidentiality

  • Prohibition on disclosing confidential information obtained by virtue of office.
  • Confidential information includes pending cases, investigations, procurements, prison records, internal documents.
  • Only designated officials may make public statements.
  • Disclosure of confidential information only upon written request approved by the Director.
  • Disclosure limited to authorized persons by law, court order, or administrative policy.
  • Prohibition on falsification, destruction, or mutilation of records.

Conflict of Interest

  • Duty to avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any that arise in writing to supervisors.
  • Conflict defined as impaired objectivity, countervailing personal concerns, or undue personal benefit, including relatives up to the fourth civil degree.
  • Prohibitions on contracts with BuCor, participation in negotiations involving relatives, and engagements adversely affecting official duties.

Outside Employment

  • BuCor employment is full-time.
  • Outside employment allowed only with proper authority and conditions:
    • Performed outside official working hours.
    • Not incompatible with official duties or office functions.
    • Excludes private practice of profession except specific exceptions (teaching, notary public).
    • Does not require disclosure of confidential information.
  • Legal Officers may only appear as counsel with Director's authorization.
  • Technical experts may practice upon Director's permit.

Relations with the Public

  • Treat the public with respect, courtesy, and reason.
  • Avoid activities undermining objectivity, impartiality, or propriety.
  • Conduct consistent with BuCor's dignity; avoid discreditable behavior.
  • Avoid inappropriate public comments or personal opinions construed as official.
  • Commitment to fairness, equality, and ensuring a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

Post-Employment

  • Restricts former BuCor officials/employees in private sector with direct relation to former BuCor roles.
  • Prohibits former employees from dealing directly or indirectly with current BuCor officials in pending matters.
  • Current BuCor officials must observe ethical standards when dealing with former staff.
  • Assistance to former BuCor officials allowed only on official business.

Suppletory Rules

  • General laws and rules on public officials' conduct apply as supplementary to these norms.

Penalty

  • Violations are grounds for disciplinary action.
  • Potential criminal charges if warranted.

Effectivity

  • Rules effective 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette and filing with the University of the Philippines Law Center.
  • Adopted on March 5, 2008 by Acting Director PDG Oscar C. Calderon, PNP (Ret).

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