AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES

Case Overview and Summary

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