Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro ManilaEighth Congress
Republic Act No. 6713 February 20, 1989
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, TO UPHOLD THE TIME-HONORED PRINCIPLE OF PUBLIC OFFICE BEING A PUBLIC TRUST, GRANTING INCENTIVES AND REWARDS FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE, ENUMERATING PROHIBITED ACTS AND TRANSACTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled::
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees."
Section 2. Declaration of Policies. - It is the policy of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in public service. Public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest.
Section 3. Definition of...
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Republic Acts
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES
Republic Act No. 6713
Summary of Republic Act No. 6713 - Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
Norms of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees (Section 4)
- Commitment to public interest over personal interest
- Professionalism and excellence in performing duties
- Justness, sincerity, and non-discrimination
- Political neutrality in providing services
- Responsiveness, courtesy, and adequate service to the public
- Nationalism, patriotism, and promoting local goods
- Commitment to democracy and civilian authority
- Simple living appropriate to position and income
Duties of Public Officials and Employees (Section 5)
- Respond to letters and requests within 15 working days (Section 5a)
- Submit annual performance reports within 45 working days after year-end (Section 5b)
- Process documents expeditiously with no more than 3 signatories (Section 5c)
- Attend to public transactions promptly (Section 5d)
- Make public documents accessible during reasonable hours (Section 5e)
System of Incentives and Rewards (Section 6)
- Committee on Awards to Outstanding Public Officials and Employees established
- Periodic review of performance and conferment of awards
- Awards may include bonuses, citations, directorships, scholarships, paid vacations
- Automatic promotion to next higher position with suitable salary
Prohibited Acts and Transactions (Section 7)
- Financial or material interest in transactions requiring office approval (Section 7a)
- Outside employment or activities related to regulated entities, unless allowed by law (Section 7b)
- Disclosure or misuse of confidential information for private interests (Section 7c)
- Solicitation or acceptance of gifts, except for nominal souvenirs, scholarships, or approved travel grants (Section 7d)
Statements and Disclosure (Section 8)
- Public officials and employees must file Statements of Assets, Liabilities, Net Worth, and Disclosure of Business Interests and Financial Connections
- Filing required within 30 days of assumption, annually by April 30, and within 30 days of separation
- Statements filed with different agencies based on position and level
- Statements accessible for public inspection and copying for 10 years
Divestment (Section 9)
- Public officials and employees must resign from private business positions and divest shareholdings within 30-60 days of assumption
Review and Compliance Procedure (Section 10)
- Designated Congressional Committees to review statement completeness
- Committees can render opinions interpreting the Act
- Good faith reliance on opinions provides protection from sanctions
Penalties (Section 11)
- Violations punishable by fine up to 6 months' salary, suspension up to 1 year, or removal
- Violations of Sections 7-9 punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, P5,000 fine, and disqualification from public office
- Proven violations sufficient for removal or dismissal
- Private individuals conspiring with public officials subject to same penalties
- Civil action for improper use of statements with P25,000 penalty
Administration and Enforcement (Section 12)
- Civil Service Commission has primary responsibility for administration and enforcement
- Authorized to promulgate rules and regulations
- Ombudsman to protect citizens who denounce violations
Norms of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees (Section 4)
- Commitment to public interest over personal interest
- Professionalism and excellence in performing duties
- Justness, sincerity, and non-discrimination
- Political neutrality in providing services
- Responsiveness, courtesy, and adequate service to the public
- Nationalism, patriotism, and promoting local goods
- Commitment to democracy and civilian authority
- Simple living appropriate to position and income
Duties of Public Officials and Employees (Section 5)
- Respond to letters and requests within 15 working days (Section 5a)
- Submit annual performance reports within 45 working days after year-end (Section 5b)
- Process documents expeditiously with no more than 3 signatories (Section 5c)
- Attend to public transactions promptly (Section 5d)
- Make public documents accessible during reasonable hours (Section 5e)
System of Incentives and Rewards (Section 6)
- Committee on Awards to Outstanding Public Officials and Employees established
- Periodic review of performance and conferment of awards
- Awards may include bonuses, citations, directorships, scholarships, paid vacations
- Automatic promotion to next higher position with suitable salary
Prohibited Acts and Transactions (Section 7)
- Financial or material interest in transactions requiring office approval (Section 7a)
- Outside employment or activities related to regulated entities, unless allowed by law (Section 7b)
- Disclosure or misuse of confidential information for private interests (Section 7c)
- Solicitation or acceptance of gifts, except for nominal souvenirs, scholarships, or approved travel grants (Section 7d)
Statements and Disclosure (Section 8)
- Public officials and employees must file Statements of Assets, Liabilities, Net Worth, and Disclosure of Business Interests and Financial Connections
- Filing required within 30 days of assumption, annually by April 30, and within 30 days of separation
- Statements filed with different agencies based on position and level
- Statements accessible for public inspection and copying for 10 years
Divestment (Section 9)
- Public officials and employees must resign from private business positions and divest shareholdings within 30-60 days of assumption
Review and Compliance Procedure (Section 10)
- Designated Congressional Committees to review statement completeness
- Committees can render opinions interpreting the Act
- Good faith reliance on opinions provides protection from sanctions
Penalties (Section 11)
- Violations punishable by fine up to 6 months' salary, suspension up to 1 year, or removal
- Violations of Sections 7-9 punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, P5,000 fine, and disqualification from public office
- Proven violations sufficient for removal or dismissal
- Private individuals conspiring with public officials subject to same penalties
- Civil action for improper use of statements with P25,000 penalty
Administration and Enforcement (Section 12)
- Civil Service Commission has primary responsibility for administration and enforcement
- Authorized to promulgate rules and regulations
- Ombudsman to protect citizens who denounce violations