Key Definitions
- DOH refers to all offices, units, and hospitals under the Department of Health.
- Officials and employees include those employed in the central office, GHDs, CHDs, and hospitals.
- Gift is defined broadly as anything given gratuitously, including simulated sales, but excludes unsolicited nominal gifts without expectation of favor.
- Family includes spouses and children; relatives extend to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.
- Conflict of interest arises when personal interests impair objective performance.
- Post-employment refers to DOH personnel moving permanently to private or other government sectors.
Core Values
- Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, Respect for human dignity, Commitment to public interest and democracy, Professionalism, Teamwork, Environmental stewardship, Political neutrality, Simple living.
- Officials and employees must uphold dignity and agency mandate freely accepting personal restrictions.
Fidelity to Duty
- Exhibit respect for the public and commit deeply to DOH mandate.
- Avoid discrimination and undue favor, kinship or rank must not influence official acts.
- Perform duties efficiently, promptly, and without prejudice.
- Avoid impropriety and its appearance in activities.
- Use office resources exclusively for lawful official purposes.
- Submit required performance and public documents honestly.
Transparency
- Provide prompt, courteous, and adequate public service.
- Communicate policies and procedures clearly; ensure consultation and openness.
- Maintain transparency in transactions, contracts, and agency interests affecting the public.
- Allow public inspection of documents within legal limits.
Confidentiality
- Prohibit disclosure or misuse of confidential information for personal gain or to prejudice public interest.
- Do not alter, falsify, conceal, destroy, or mutilate official records.
Conflict of Interests
- Loyalty to public and DOH mission paramount.
- Prohibited from contracts with DOH or actions involving parties linked to their or relatives' interests.
- Restricted from recommending relatives for employment except in confidential jobs.
- No undue advantage to personal or others’ benefit.
Outside Employment
- DOH employment is full-time unless authorized otherwise.
- No ownership or management roles in private companies without permission.
- Additional employment allowed with authorization and under strict conditions (outside working hours, no conflict or confidentiality breaches).
Relations with the Public
- Treat public with respect, courtesy, and fairness.
- Maintain impartiality and propriety; avoid conduct that brings discredit.
- Avoid inappropriate public comments that may be construed as official statements.
- Actively promote a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.
Post Employment
- Former officials employed privately cannot transact on pending matters linked to their prior DOH responsibilities.
- Incumbent officials must avoid transactions with former officials now in regulated private sectors except in legal proceedings, official assistance, or accidental meetings.
- Prohibition on recommending services of former officials involved in private sector dealings with DOH.
- Former officials barred from practicing their profession on DOH matters for one year post separation.
Public Interest and Gift-Giving
- Strictly prohibit solicitation or acceptance of gifts, favors, loans, or gratuities related to official duties.
- Must observe existing DOH Gift-Giving rules.
Supplentory Application
- General laws and civil service rules on public officials’ conduct apply alongside these norms.
Acknowledgement and Compliance
- Officials and employees must sign an Acknowledgement of compliance, retained in personnel files.
Penalties
- Violations constitute grounds for administrative and disciplinary actions under Civil Service and DOH regulations.
- Possible criminal charges if warranted.
Effectivity
- The rules take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.