Public accountability code of conduct and ethical standard

Public Accountability

Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values

The heart of good governance is all about public accountability

“All public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.”

(Art. XI of the 1986 Constitution)


Such a code can become real only in hearts and minds committed to live up to it.

Sanctions are sometimes imposed to insure compliance, but the decision to obey it is essentially a personal call.

(Sen. Manny Villar)


“An Act Establishing a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for

Public Officials and Employees”

Approved on February 20, 1989


Section 4. Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees

Shall observe the following as standards of personal conduct in the discharge and execution of official duties:

a) Commitment to public interest

b) Professionalism

c) Justness and sincerity

d) Political Neutrality


Section 4. Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees

e) Responsiveness to the Public

f) Nationalism and Patriotism

g) Commitment to Democracy

h) Simple Living


Section 4(a). Commitment to Public Interest

Public officials and employees shall always uphold the public interest over and above personal interest.


Section 4(a). Commitment to Public Interest

All government resources and powers of their respective offices must be employed and used efficiently, effectively, honestly and economically, particularly to avoid wastage in public funds and revenues.


Section 4(b). Professionalism

Shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill.


Section 4(b). Professionalism

Shall endeavor to discourage wrong perception of their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue patronage.


Section 4(c). Justness and Sincerity

Shall remain true to people at all times.

Must act with justness and sincerity & shall NOT discriminate against anyone, especially the poor and the underprivileged.



Shall at all times respect the rights of others, and shall refrain from doing acts contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public policy, public order, public safety and public interest.



Shall not dispense or extend undue favors on account of their office to their relative whether by consanguinity or affinity

Except appointments of such relatives to positions considered:

- strictly confidential

- as members of their personal staff whose

terms are coterminous with theirs.


• Cs. – Redentor Gaspay vs. Hon. Nicanor J. Cruz, et. al. CA-GR-SP-58757 Feb. 27, 2002.

• Casual Laborer is included in Nepotism.

• That the appointment was later on disapproved by CSC does not render the appointing authority free of liability, as the act of Nepotism was committed by the time the appointing authority affixed his signature on the nepotistic appointment.

• Mayor Ted Plagata – Iloilo

Designation is included in the word “appointment.”


Section 4(d). Political Neutrality

Shall provide service to everyone without

- unfair discrimination and

- regardless of party affiliation or preference.


Section 4(e). Responsiveness to the Public

Shall extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service to the public.

Unless otherwise provided by law or when required by the public interest, they shall provide information on their policies & procedures



Policies and Procedures:

Clear & understandable language,

Ensure openness of information,

Public consultations & hearings whenever appropriate,



Policies and Procedures:

Encourage suggestions,

Simplify & systematize policy, rules & procedures,

Avoid red tape,



Policies and Procedures

Develop an understanding and appreciation of the socioeconomic conditions prevailing in the country, especially in the depressed rural and urban areas.


Section 4(f). Nationalism and Patriotism

Shall at all times be loyal to the Republic and to the Filipino people,

Promote the use of locally-produced goods, resources and technology


Section 4(f). Nationalism and Patriotism

Encourage appreciation and pride of country and people.

- Visioning

Shall endeavor to maintain and defend Philippine sovereignty against foreign intrusion.


Section 4(g). Commitment to Democracy

Commit themselves to the democratic way of life and values,

Maintain the principle of public accountability,

Shall at all times uphold the Constitution and put loyalty to country above loyalty to persons or party.


Section 4(h). Simple Living

Public officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income.

Shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.


Section 5(a)

Act promptly on letters and requests. All public officials and employees shall, within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof respond to letters, telegrams or other means of communications sent by the public. The reply must contain the action taken on the request.


Section 8. Statements and Disclosure

Must be filed:

a) Within thirty (3) days after assumption of office;

b) On or before April 30, of every year thereafter; and

c) Within thirty (30) days after separation from the service.


Public accountability code of conduct and ethical standard

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