Republic Act 6713 Quiz

Republic Act 6713

• Republic Act 6713, enacted in February 1989, establishes a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
• This law aims to uphold the principle that public office is a public trust and to provide ethical guidelines for public officials.
• It also provides incentives and rewards for exemplary service, outlines prohibited acts and transactions, and specifies penalties for violations.

Norms of Conduct for Public Officials

• Public officials are expected to uphold public interest above personal interest.
• They must use government resources and powers efficiently, effectively, honestly, and economically.
• Public service requires the highest degree of professionalism and dedication to duty.
• Officials should remain true to the people, acting with sincerity and respect for the rights of others.
• They must refrain from engaging in acts that violate laws, good morals, good customs, or public interests.
• Public officials should not dispense or extend favors to relatives, except in strictly confidential positions or for their personal staff.
• They are required to provide service to anyone, regardless of party affiliation or preference, without discrimination.

Responsiveness to the Public

• Public officials have a responsibility to extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service.
• They must provide information in clear and understandable language and encourage public consultations and suggestions.
• Public documents should be accessible for inspection by the public during reasonable working hours.

Nationalism and Patriotism

• Public officials must be loyal to the Republic and the Filipino People.
• They should promote the use of locally produced goods, resources, and technology.

Commitment to Democracy

• Officials must commit to the democratic way of life and uphold the principle of public accountability.
• They are expected to maintain the supremacy of civilian authority over the military.

Simple Living

• Public officials are encouraged to lead modest lives, appropriate to their position and income.
• They should refrain from extravagant displays of wealth.

Duties of Public Officials and Employees

• Public officials must respond to letters, telegrams, or other communications from the public within 15 working days.
• Heads of offices or agencies must submit an annual performance report within 45 working days after the end of the year.
• Official papers and documents must be processed and completed within a reasonable time, and should require no more than three signatories.
• Public officials must attend to anyone seeking their services promptly and expeditiously.

Transparency of Transaction

• Every government department, office, or agency must provide official information, records, or documents to the public, except for:
  • Information related to national defense, security, or foreign affairs.
  • Information that could endanger an individual’s life or safety.
  • Information protected by legal privilege or established policy.
  • Information that could compromise drafts, decisions, or other policy-related materials.
  • Information that discloses personal details that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
  • Investigatory records or information that could interfere with law enforcement, prejudice a fair trial, reveal confidential sources, or compromise investigative methods.
  • Information that could lead to financial speculation or hinder the implementation of proposed official actions.

Prohibited Acts and Transactions

• Public officials are prohibited from having any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring their office’s approval.
• They cannot own, control, or manage, or accept employment in any private enterprise regulated, supervised, or licensed by their office, unless expressly allowed by law.
• Officials cannot engage in the private practice of their profession while in office, unless authorized by the Constitution or law, as long as it does not conflict with their official duties.
• They cannot recommend any person for a position in a private enterprise that conducts business with their office.
• Public officials cannot use or divulge confidential or classified information for their private interests, to give undue advantage to anyone, or to prejudice the public interest.
• They cannot solicit or accept gifts, gratuities, favors, entertainment, loans, or anything of monetary value from any person during the course of their official duties.
• Acceptance of gifts or grants from foreign governments requires Congressional consent, with exceptions for:
  • Gifts of nominal value as souvenirs or marks of courtesy.
  • Scholarships, fellowship grants, or medical treatment.
  • Travel grants or expenses for travel outside the Philippines, if appropriate.
• Public officials must refrain from extravagant or ostentatious displays of wealth.

Statements and Disclosure

• All public officials and employees must file a Statement of Assets, Liabilities, Net Worth, and Financial and Business Interests (SALN).
• Exemptions include public officials serving in an honorary capacity without pay, temporary laborers, casual or temporary workers, and contractual workers not part of the agency’s regular plantilla.
• The SALN must declare real and personal property, assets, liabilities, and business interests and financial connections.
• The SALN must be filed within 30 days of assuming office, on or before April 30th each year, and within 30 days of separation from service.
• Public officials are required to identify and disclose relatives working in the government.

Penalties

• Public officials committing any violation of the Code of Conduct can be subject to a fine not exceeding the equivalent of six months' salary, a suspension not exceeding one year, or removal after a hearing, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Violations of specific sections related to prohibited acts and transactions, disclosure requirements, and divestment can result in imprisonment not exceeding five years, a fine not exceeding ₱5,000.00, or both, and disqualification to hold public office.