Constitutional and statutory authority
- Section 3, Article IX-B of the 1987 Constitution directs the Civil Service Commission to adopt measures to promote morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, progressiveness, and courtesy, and to institutionalize a management climate conducive to public accountability.
- Section 12 (3), Chapter 3, Title I (A), Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987 (Executive Order No. 292) empowers the CSC to promulgate policies, standards, and guidelines for the Civil Service and adopt plans and programs for economical, efficient, and effective personnel administration.
- Section 12 (19), Chapter 3, Title I (A), Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987 (Executive Order No. 292) directs that the CSC performs central personnel agency functions and other functions provided by law.
- Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) requires public officials and employees to perform duties with professionalism and to lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income, and prohibits indulgence in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.
- The circular is designed to update existing dress code rules to conform with Gender Mainstreaming and Institutionalization of Gender and Development in the bureaucracy.
Coverage and who must comply
- The Dress Code applies to all officials and employees of the government, both male and female.
- The Dress Code applies inside the workplace while performing official functions.
- The Dress Code does not apply to officials and employees who regularly perform their duties and functions in the field.
- The Dress Code does not apply to officials and employees who are temporarily assigned in actual field operations.
Schedule and authorized official attire
- The “Filipiniana” and each official agency’s respective office uniforms are the official attire for all government officials and employees.
- The “Filipiniana” attire applies on Mondays under the assigned schedule.
- Tuesdays require the office uniform prescribed for Tuesday.
- Wednesdays require the office uniform prescribed for Wednesday.
- Thursdays require the office uniform prescribed for Thursday.
- Fridays require the office uniform prescribed for Friday, if any; if there is no Friday office uniform, employees must wear appropriate business attire.
Appropriate attire when no uniform exists
- On days when there is no prescribed office uniform for the day, employees must wear appropriate business attire.
- The wearing of “maong” pants, though generally prohibited, may be considered appropriate attire when paired with:
- a collared polo-shirt for male employees; or
- an appropriate blouse or shirt for female employees.
Prohibited attire inside workplace
- The following attire is prohibited for all government employees when performing official functions inside the workplace:
- 4.1 Gauzy, transparent or net-like shirt or blouse;
- 4.2 Sando, strapless or spaghetti-strap blouse (unless worn as an undershirt), tank-tops, and blouse with over-plunging necklines;
- 4.3 Micro-mini skirt, walking shorts, cycling shorts, leggings, tights, and jogging pants;
- 4.4 Rubber sandals, rubber slippers, and “bakya”.
Other office-hours prohibitions
- During office hours and within office premises, the following are prohibited:
- 5.1 Ostentatious display of jewelry, except for special occasions and during official celebrations; and
- 5.2 wearing of heavy or theatrical make-up.
Allowed exemptions and special cases
- Exemptions may be allowed when implementation requires clothing outside the prescribed attire or when specific circumstances apply, including:
- 6.1 When the nature of work demands clothing other than the prescribed attire;
- 6.2 When religious affiliation or creed or any legitimate practice requires wearing particular clothing;
- 6.3 Physical disabilities and other legitimate health reasons;
- 6.4 Pregnant female employees are allowed to wear maternity dress during the period of pregnancy;
- 6.5 Employees who lost a loved one may wear mourning clothes during the period of mourning;
- 6.6 Other circumstances analogous to the foregoing.
Hair, beard, and agency internal rules
- Matters involving hair style and the growing of beard or moustache are governed by the internal rules and regulations promulgated by the respective agencies/offices.
Disciplinary consequence for violations
- Any violation of the Dress Code constitutes a ground for disciplinary action for Violation of Reasonable Office Rules and Regulations under Section 22 (c), Rule XIV of the Revised Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987 (Executive Order No. 292).
Effectivity and repealing clause
- The circular takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- CSC Memorandum Circular Nos. 14 and 25, s. 1991, and all other office memoranda, memorandum circulars, resolutions, rules, or regulations inconsistent herewith are repealed or modified accordingly.