Lecture 11.1 - Board of Geology Code of Ethics PDF

Board of Geology Code of Ethics for Geologists in the Philippines Pursuant to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 4209 known as Geology Profession Law of the Philippines and Section 6 of P.D. No. 223, this Code of Ethics for Geologists in the Philippines is hereby adopted by the Board of Geology as part o...

Board of Geology Code of Ethics for Geologists in the Philippines Pursuant to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 4209 known as Geology Profession Law of the Philippines and Section 6 of P.D. No. 223, this Code of Ethics for Geologists in the Philippines is hereby adopted by the Board of Geology as part of the Rules and Regulations governing the practice of Geology. Article I GENERAL PRINCIPLES Section 1. The practice of geology is a noble profession and the privilege of professional practice requires the high degree of morality, technical knowledge and personal responsibility. Section 2. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, fairness, impartially, candor and fidelity shall be ingrained in the practice of every Geologist. Section 3. The Geologist shall be guided by the highest ethical principles in the discharge of his duties. Article II RELATION OF GEOLOGIST TO THE COMMUNITY Section 1. A Geologist shall avoid and discourage sensational, exaggerated and unwarranted statements. When called upon to give evidence or otherwise to speak on matters of fact, a Geologist shall state only what he knows to be the facts. Section 2. A Geologist, who finds that his obligations to his employer are in conflict with his professional obligations or ethics, shall immediately give to his employer written notice to terminate his employment, unless the conflict is resolved. Section 3. A Geologist, having or expecting to have any beneficial interest in a property which he reports on, must state in his report the existence of such interest or expected interest. Section 4. A Geologist shall not give a professional opinion or make a report without being as thoroughly informed as might reasonably be expected, considering the purpose for which the opinion or report is requested. The degree of completeness of information upon which it is based shall be clearly stated. Section 5. A Geologist shall not express any professional opinion, which reflects on the ability or integrity of any person or organization, unless his responsibility to the profession and the community requires him to do so. Section 6. A Geologist may publish simple business, professional or announcement cards but shall not include therein, or advertise separately his work or accomplishments. Section 7. A Geologist shall not issue any false statement or false information. Section 8. The public responsibility of the Geologist shall be paramount at all times. He shall maintain due regard for the welfare, safety and health of whoever may be affected by his work. Article III RELATION OF GEOLOGIST TO EMPLOYER AND CLIENT Section 1. A Geologist shall protect the interest of his employer or client, with due regard to public welfare and his professional honor. Section 2. A Geologist, who finds that his obligations to his employer are in conflict with his professional obligations or ethics, shall immediately give to his employer written notice to terminate his employment, unless the conflict is resolved. Section 3. A Geologist shall disclose to his prospective employer or client the existence of any mineral or other interest which he holds, either directly or indirectly, which has any bearing to his employment. Section 4. A Geologist shall not use, directly or indirectly, any confidential information derived from his employer or client. Section 5. A Geologist shall not accept, without his client’s written consent, engagement by another, whenever the interests of the latter shall in any manner conflict with those of his client. Section 6. A Geologist, who has made an investigation for any employer or client, shall not profit or attempt to profit from the information gained, unless written permission to do so is granted, or there is no conflict of interest with his employer or client. Section 7. A Geologist shall not divulge information given him in confidence and shall not seek to profit there from. Section 8. A Geologist shall advise his employer or client to engage the services of other experts and specialist whenever the latter’s interest will be best served by such engagement. Section 9. A Geologist shall not accept any fee for referring a client or employer to an expert or for recommending geological services other than his own. Section 10. A Geologist shall faithfully protect the interests of his client or employer in the preparation of contract documents, supervision of work, preparation of plans, reports and specifications, and the like. In the interpretation of contract documents; he shall maintain impartiality between his clients or employer and the contractor. Section 11. A Geologist shall avoid placing himself under any obligation to any person or organization to any person or organization who deals with his employer or client. He shall not accept any favor from such person or organization. Article IV RELATION OF GEOLOGIST TO CO-PROFESSIONALS Section 1. A Geologist shall not falsely or maliciously injure the reputation or business of another. Section 2. A Geologist shall give credit for work done by others and shall refrain from plagiarism in oral and written communications and shall not accept credit rightfully due another. Section 3. A Geologist shall not use the advantage of a former or present status or position to compete unfairly with Geologist in private practice, nor use unfairly the advantages of private practice to the detriment of salaried Geologists. Section 4. A Geologist shall endeavor to cooperate with other Geologist and shall encourage the ethical dissemination of geological knowledge. Section 5. A Geologist, having knowledge of the unethical practice of another Geologist, shall avoid professional association with the latter. Section 6. A Geologist shall not injure directly or indirectly, the reputation, prospects or business of another Geologist. However, whenever he considers a Geologists to be engaged in unethical, illegal or unfair practice, it is his duty to present his views and the relevant information to the Board of Geology and the Professional Regulation Commission. Section 7. A Geologist, especially if he is in a position of authority, shall afford to those under his direction every reasonable opportunity to advance their knowledge and experience. Section 8. A Geologist shall give proper credit to any associate, subordinate or employer, who has contributed to the work for which he is responsible. Section 9. A Geologist shall not describe himself, or permit himself to be described, as consultant prominence and is able to act as an independent and unbiased adviser. EFFECTIVITY This Code of Ethics shall take effect upon approval hereof by the Commission and after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette.