LESSON I

“THE NORMS OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES”

COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC INTEREST

How can you show your commitment to public interest?

Public service is a public trust, thus commitment to public interest shall and always
transcend over and above deceiving and destructive mechanisms that could compromise public
interest in the account of delivering quality and just public service. It is imperative for every
public servant to observe and do uphold into the highest degree the trust and public interest
entrusted to them which are expected to be employed over personal interest in pursuant to
Sec. 4 of R.A. 6713.

In my three months of working in the Government (and counting), I make sure that I
come early or just on time with the set office hours of the Civil Service Commission because
clients are waiting to be served and I do not want to cause any delays in delivering the services
they need. It is one way of showing my commitment to public service and interest that I am
dedicated towards my work. Corruption is not only stealing money from the government which
is technically from the people’s taxes, but also time – late and absenteeism is one form of
corruption and one of the toxic malpractices of government officials and employees up to these
days which still remains to be one of the “uncured sickness” because no one wants to be
treated and cured and for that it has become a habit for every government officials and
employees. We are paid by the government through the taxes collected from the people for the
services we are to render hence; we must also give and deliver the services due to the people.
Coming in early to the office also attracts productivity and proactiveness which are good
attributes of a government employee.

Furthermore, as a public servant we should also conserve our office’s resources such as
water, electricity, paper and other office properties and supplies. The government is paying for

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it, so we must spend it wisely in office related activities and do not waste it for other and or
personal consumption. Government funds is budgeted and should be preserved if possible
because it is allotted for government services therefore it should be used responsibly. Excessive
use of it for personal consumption in an indirect corruption that might lead to more serious
corruption and corruption has no place at all in public service.

Showing my commitment to public interest is also showing my respect to my work and

the people who are paying me. The unwanted norms and toxic malpractices of the government
officials and employees should be eradicated. We should always put in our mind that our
position and work in the government is not a private ownership. We owe everything to the
people. Thus, we must perform our duties and responsibilities wholeheartedly.

PROFESSIONALISM

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How can you become more professional? How can you improve the work that you do in the
office to improve your service to the public?

A professional upholds high ethical standards and demonstrate sense of integrity,

accountability and excellence in his works to advance the industry/organization which he/she
belongs to. Constant development and improving one’s professional attributes through
studying and gaining Masters and Doctorate degree and participating various trainings,
seminars and workshops are some of the ways to foster professionalism. However, anyone can
be professional because professionalism is not only limited based on someone’s educational
attainment, but rather it is also his/her positive attitudes and values towards his/her work
makes him/her professional.

I make myself professional by equipping myself with necessary academic improvement

and trainings as well as instilling wisdom and values. Since I am into public service I engage
myself in studying Public Administration in my graduate study and tried to incorporate and
apply as much as possible the principles and lessons I have learned to my work. I also make sure
that I am following the standards set by the Civil Service Commission in pursuant to R.A. 6713.
Aside from acquiring the Distance Learning Program of the CSC, I do also participate and attend
trainings related to my work which further hones my skills. Moreover, I also engage myself in
public specifically the youth sector doing my advocacies in education, community service and
leadership; and it helped me a lot to understand the importance of my job and the
responsibility entrusted to as a government employee. It also brought me realization that I have
to deliver quality and just public service for the people I worked for and urged me to perform
my duties and responsibilities with utmost intention of serving them wholeheartedly without
reservation and hidden interest.

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 POLITICAL NEUTRALITY

How can you put into practice political neutrality?

Philippine Government is for the people, not for a certain political party which should
not and never dominate the government; and public servants should not be tied up to it and
limit his/her services to those who are belong to his/her political party. Political parties divide
our nation and should not further be applied in delivering services to people. Thus, we should
not get ourselves affiliated to any political party as much as possible though the state is not

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preventing us from taking a personal interest in politics, but we must keep our job out of
politics and politics out of our job.

As a government employee I can put political neutrality into practice by being a law
abiding person and adhere to the laws which rules us. No matter what my stand in line of
politics, I will not let it to take over me so that it will not affect my decisions in executing my
duties and responsibilities. I will not let anyone influence me in carrying the tasks that was
entrusted to me to fulfill. It may be hard for me to carry such responsibility but as a person of
authority and as to whatever the government ask me to do, I will do my very best to fulfill those
expectations and to stand strong with an utmost intention of being a man of integrity and
sincerity. I am a person with an equally strong commitment to professionalism and can provide
politically neutral services to our people, government and country.

Moreover, all people should be served and treated equally regardless of their political
affiliation. We have no rights to choose whom are we going to serve because the government is
owned by the people not by a single political party. We are expected to deliver our services to
everyone who needs it with dedication so that our client will be satisfied with the services
provided by the government.

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 JUSTNESS AND SINCERITY

Can you recall an experience when your honesty was tested? Or when you became a victim of
dishonesty? (You may want to share your experience(s) with a colleague.

It was my senior year in college and at the same time vice-president of the University
Student Council then when my honesty was being tested. I was asked by one student in an
event regarding our project (a potable drinking water) that we promised during our campaign
which is very useful for the studentry. I was caught off guarded that time and replied it will be
materialized before our term ends. But the truth is we can no longer continue the project
because it costs much than we expected. Our fund is not sufficient to put up the project. I felt
the guilt because I have lied, but I have to do it to uphold the reputation of the organization
while we are looking ways to generate fund for it.

1.) What can you conclude from your story or experience?

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A lie is a lie, no matter how hard we try to hide it, it will come out eventually. It would be
nicer if you will be true because at the end of the day you will be haunted by your lies.
Furthermore, people engage with such practice of dishonesty will give them permanent
mark distrust because dishonesty is a repetitive action. Once you find the ease in telling lies
just to get away to an issue, it would be easier for you to do it again if you will be put into
the same situation.

2.) What can you say about honesty? About being just and sincere?

I strongly adhere to the saying “honesty is the best policy”. It is one way of showing justness
and sincerity because these three terms are inseparable in nature. A government official
and employee must be honest in making just decisions to foster sincerity in your action.

3.) How can you show justness and sincerity in the performance of your work?

As a government employee assigned in the finance department I can show and foster
justness and sincerity in the performance of my work by employing honesty, accuracy, and
transparency with the financial report I will be checking from the ports in the island
provinces. I will make sure that the expenses are well checked and balanced with
corresponding report of disbursement and necessary attachments to ensure that there is no
fraud and corruption made.

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 RESPONSIVENESS TO THE PUBLIC

How can you show Responsiveness? What realizations did you gain from this session? List
down below your answer.

One of the qualities of a government official and employee should possess and imbibe is
responsiveness. Responsiveness is being able to satisfy and meet the needs of our client and to
show our care for them. Public service is a position of trust; thus, we should make feel our
clients that we are one of them regardless of their status and condition in life so that we could
provide the quality of service they deserve from their government. We should also employ
equity and fairness to every client we dealt. Understanding to the needs of ever client and to
what and where they are coming from it will help us further the importance of our responsive
action to their concerns.

I could show responsiveness by employing prompt courteous, and adequate service to

the public. As a government employee being able to response to the need of my client specially
those who really needs immediate action, seeing the smile on their faces as indication of
satisfaction and appreciation is somehow fulfilling and making me more motivated to do more.

NATIONALISM AND PATRIOTISM

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How do you feel now for the country? Do you now feel a sense of pride for her knowing how
“powerful” Filipinos are as people? How would you show your love for her? How much do you
care for her? Write your responses below or in one sheet of paper.

I feel great and proud for our country for I have seen many improvements and
developments up until now. Filipinos are very strong and determined, we may face setbacks
and rough times but that does not mean we cannot continue fighting for our goals. Our country
had been through a lot of challenges like all countries do but look at us now we have so much
to offer because of our love to our country. I can show my affection to our beloved country by
showing my support as to whatever that can help build a great foundation of continuous
improvements such as patronizing our local products and industry rather than of the imported
ones – not only that I showed my love for our country but it also helps our fellow countrymen
with their products.

Moreover, I will also help spread positivity and not look on the negative side of the events
we are experiencing. I care for our country as much as I care for my pride and self-esteem
because if our country stands out and achieve whatever endeavors and goals for its welfare and
its countrymen, I will be very happy because I know that I am part of that success. I want to
lessen the negative mindset that was installed to our fellow Filipinos and give them hope and
faith that everything we do for our country is also for us. Caring for our beloved Philippines is
also caring for our future and of 104 million Filipinos.

I. Enumerate eight (8) things you can be proud about Filipinos or about the Philippines.
1. Filipinos are hospitable.

We are known for being hospitable especially to tourists and wanderers who visit us.
We treat them special from the food we offer, warm acceptance and comfortable place to
stay.

2. Filipinos are respectful to elders.

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 We have a habit of kissing the hands of elders and adding “po” and “opo” as sign of
respect.

3. Filipinos are resilient.

Despite being a path of different calamities, we remain steadfast and positive on our
situation. We face problems with positive outlook and with a smile on our faces.

4. Filipinos are naturally helpful.

We are being admired and liked by other nationalities for our spirit of bayanihan. We do
not choose whom we help. If there’s a need for our assistance, we offer our help
wholeheartedly.

5. Filipinos are loving and caring people.

We are considered sweetest people on the planet. We have unique style of courtship.
We offer everything to our loved ones in the name of love and for that foreigners wants us
to marry.

6. Filipinos value much close family ties.

We are being admired for our strong value for our family. We kept each other’s
company in one roof from grandparents to the grandc hildren.

7. Philippines is known for rich biodiversity.

Famous pristine beaches are found in our country and other natural wonders which
makes our country a popular tourist destination.

8. Philippines is rich in diverse culture.

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 Philippines have numerous religions, beliefs, cultures because of the colonizers who
colonized our country. Amidst these diversity, Filipinos co-exist with mutual understanding
and respect for diversity.

COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY

The late former Senator and nationalist Jose W. Diokno, in one of his writings, has
summarized a truly democratic and sovereign nation. Read the text below and underline or
highlight that part or parts which you feel most strongly about.

There is one dream that all Filipinos share: That our children may have a better life than we
have had. So there is one vision that is distinctly Filipino: the vision to make this country, our
country, a nation for our children.

A NOBLE nation, where homage is paid not to who a man is or what he owns, but to what he is
and what he does.

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A PROUD nation, where poverty chains no man to the plow, forces no woman to prostitute
herself and condemns no child to scrounge among garbage.

A FREE nation, where men and women and children from all regions and with all kinds of talents
may find truth and play and sing and laugh and dance and love without fear.

A JUST nation where whatever inequality exists is caused not by the way people act towards
each other but by differences in natural talents; where poverty, ignorance, and hunger are
attacked and every farmer has land that no one can grab from him; every breadwinner, a job
that is satisfying and pays him enough to provide a decent standard of living; every family, a
home from which it cannot be evicted; and everyone, a steadily improving quality of life.

An INDEPENDENT nation, which rejects foreign dictation, depends on itself, thinks for itself, and
decides for itself what the common good is, how it is to be attained, and how its costs and
benefits are to be distributed.

An HONORABLE nation where public powers are used for the public good and not for the private
gain of some Filipinos and some foreigners; where leaders speak not only well but truthfully and
act honestly; a nation that is itself and seeks to live in peace and brotherhood with all other
nations of the world.

Would you write in one paragraph your feelings or insights about the importance of
democracy in a free and just society? Use another sheet of paper if space is not enough.

In a land where crows and ravens are freely flying, the same freedom must be given to
parrots and eagles. The same goes to a society of people, right of Juan is also right of Pedro.
Democracy, when properly implemented and practiced, is a fair and just government itself. It is
important in a free society because everyone deserves to be treated equally and is entitled to
every right. Furthermore, choosing a good leader is always a part of making up a good society
where fairness exists among its people, and when democracy rules in, everyone shall be able to
freely choose the leader he/she entrusts the society with.

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Write your insights by completing the following sentences. You can come up with as many
sentences as you can.

I feel nothing wrong about living a luxurious life; buying expensive things, indulging in an
ultra-expensive travels and spending money over a sumptuous food as long as it makes you
happy. However,

I realize that living a life like this can also cause you a dull life. If you act beyond the
appropriateness of your position or income, you, yourself, must know how to pull off your
eagerness to spend money over nonsense things because it will lead you to debts and
prejudices from other people for overspending money beyond your income and worst case
scenario is that you will be link into anomaly. As a government employee,

I will uphold the oath I have made to live simply and engrave in my heart and mind that
I should always limit how I spend my money into things that I only want, and will prioritize that
things I need. Nothing’s bad about spending money over things that we want, but we should
put moderation to it.

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 LESSON II

OTHER PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF THE CODE

I. True or False

Directions: On the space provided, write the word TRUE if the statement is correct and
FALSE if the sentence is not correct.

False 1. A Dangal ng Bayan awardee may be promoted to the next higher position.

False 2. All government officials and employees must act promptly on letters and requests
within 30 days from receipt thereof.

True 3. Public officials and employees are prohibited to engage in the private practice of the
profession unless authorized by law and will not conflict with their official functions.

True 4. Official papers and documents must contain not more than three (3) initials or
signatures.

False 5. A contractual worker shall file his/her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth.

False 6. An employee will no longer divest his/her shareholdings when he/she has resigned
from the private enterprise due to conflict of interest.

II. Enumeration

Directions: Enumerate the following requirement asked in the problem:

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A. Two prohibited acts/transactions.
1. Having financial or material interest in any transaction requiring approval of your
office.
2. Soliciting or accepting directly or indirectly any gift, entertainment, loan or
anything of monetary value from any person in the course of performing your
official duties or in connection with any operation regulated by or any
transaction affected by the function of your office.
B. Three forms of incentives and rewards any of which may be given to government
officials and employees.
1. Bonuses
2. Citations
3. Paid vacations
C. Conflict of interest occurs when the official or employee is:
1. When official or employee is a substantial stockholder
2. When official or employee is a partner in a partnership
3. When the interest of the corporation, or your rights and duties in the
corporation, is affected by the faithful performance of your official duty.
D. Persons exempted from filing a Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth.
1. Casual Workers
2. Temporary Workers
3. Contractual Workers
E. Penalties that may be imposed under R.A. 6713 against public officers and
employees:
1. Criminal
2. Civil
3. Administrative

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 LESSON III

THE CASES

Case Study #1

AN ISLAND FIRESTORM

If I were the concern official after knowing the findings of the chemist is a cause for
action, I will be very firm in the decisions I will make and in executing my duties and
responsibilities. The health of the people is at stake as of the time it happens, therefore sticking
to the findings of the chemist is necessary. Immediate action and resolution should be imposed
following a due process and thorough verification of the findings.
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 The operation of the commercial establishments in the island helps the tourism industry
but that doesn’t mean that we will let it to compromise the interest, safety of the public.
Commercial establishments seriously violated the set standards in operating as well as
environmental policy. They have caused health and sanitation problems for the common
people living on the same island, and contaminated bodies of water which is not safe to drink
and to swim. They are putting the health of the residents and also tourist at risk. Much of our
concern for the revenue we may collect from the said establishments is the welfare and
wellness of our people that we do really cared about.

It is also our duty to employ just decision. Hence, after we verify the findings of the
chemist we will ask the establishments to give their response. If they will be proven guilty for
their action, corresponding punishments and consequences will be imposed. A temporary ban
to permanent closure, conduct series of clean up drives and other initiatives to address the
problem they have caused and comply the environment clearances again and permits to
operate are some of the consequences will be imposed. Aforementioned consequences will be
only lift upon completion of it and until the water condition is back into normal; this is to
ensure that they will follow the set environmental and safety procedures and standards in
operating business. They will also be monitored so that they will not take everything for
granted.

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Case Study #2

WANTED: DEAD HEROES

“Ignorantia juris non excusat” – Ignorance of the law excuses no one.

If I were in Rick’s shoes after doing the protocols and found out that they lacked the
necessary documents and permit to cut and transport the loaded Narra flitches for it is
prohibited and illegal. I will thoroughly explain to them why they cannot pass with the freshly-
cut flitches because it is against the law. Having said their reason why they cut the trees is not
acceptable; illegally cutting down of a prohibited tree does not justify their intention of helping
their dead comrades and their family. Hence, they cannot still pass through with the freshly-cut
flitches. If they will try to pass through with force, considering that we are outnumbered, I will
call immediately the nearest police station in the area to ask for police assistance. Moreover, I
will also make sure to document the incident for security purposes. Being a Colonel, he knew
well what is right and wrong, what is legal and illegal. He will be charged criminally and
administratively if he will insist what he wants.

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 In our work as a government official and employee it is important for us to know our
right and the powers vested on us. There will be abusive government officials and employees,
elite and famous individuals that will use their influence on just to be overruled, but we must
be firm on our actions and decisions – know your right and stand to take that will not
compromise the interest of the public and your life.

Case Study #3

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

We are living in a democratic country which whistle blowing is considered a freedom of

speech. However, people must have perceived it differently what freedom of speech is. One’s
intention to express or whistle blow what he/she knows is an act of bravery and concern, but
we should always have to put this into our mind that whatever we say or do might be used
against us if what we have said or done is not rue and we are just fabricating stories for our
selfish goals.

For me, I do not agree with Glenda’s idea of whistle blowing to press or to Senator
Enriquez. Such concern should have to be resolved internally in their office. She could have
raised her concern to the next position after her Division Chief. The concern must be discussed
internally to give the management the opportunity to take necessary chastening measures.

On the other hand, the management reassess to where they are at when it comes to
employees concern. The actions they make/take to address the concerns of their employees.
The management should really have to show their efforts that they are doing the best they can
to attend the employees concerns. This is vital and important measure for the management
and employees to foster good working relationship. If the management fails to do such and
shows unresponsiveness, it would cause hostility and distrust to the employee to the

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employees for the management that could further cause more serious problems and unwanted
results.

Glenda will be putting herself and her job at risk if she pursues her idea and decision
without substantial proof and evidence to support her accusations. There is a tendency that her
organization will deny her accusations and that she is only fabricating stories. Glenda will be a
subject of retaliation of her organization and she will be immediately removed/fired from her
post as for whistle blowing is a serious ground for termination. Moreover, her action can
disrupt her organization’s reputation and may further cause serious problems to individuals she
wrongly accused.

Whistle blowing is a noble act of anyone who is willing to sacrifice himself/herself to

challenge the status quo in exposing the wrongdoings and anomalies of a certain
office/agency/organization to the public. As to whistle blowing to media acceptable as whistle
blowing to an elected official is definitely unacceptable and completely different thing.

Case Study #4

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 PICK ME UP

If I were in Ronnie’s shoes – a geodetic engineer who’s in need of money because my

salary was only enough to defray my daily needs and expenses and not even enough to support
my family, I will not accept the gift from the client. I will return it to Ms. Santos and will explain
why I cannot accept it.

I had been working so hard wholeheartedly to deliver the services due to my clients; to
see them satisfied and happy with the services I rendered is just a bonus of my monthly salary.
Their joy is fulfilling on my part because it is an indication that I am doing my job well and to an
ideal government employee like me who’s intention is for purely public service is something
that cannot be bought of any amount of money.

I will be violating Civil Service Commission’s Memorandum Circular No. 29 series of 2016
“Prohibition on Solicitation or Acceptance of Gifts”. Though Ms. Santos is not aware of it and
her intention is good, still this is still a form of bribery. We all know well the long stories of
bribery and what happens to government officials and employees accepting it. On the other
hand, I will just thank Ms. Santos and say “It is our job to make our client happy for the services
we are rendering. The appreciation we are receiving from our client is more than any amount of
money. It motivates us more to do our work efficient and effective”.

Case Study #5

BRING HOME OFFICE GOODIES

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 Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much and whoever is
dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. – Luke 16:10

As stated in R.A. 6713 otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards,
Sec. 4, 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” is one of the norms of the conducts
for government officials and employees to uphold. Thus, it is our intent to conform to the law.

In this case, I would take Cynthia’s side because she has the point. Looking at the law
cited above, we are clearly violating and defying it. No matter how small the quantity and how
much does it cost it is still an unethical act. Personally, knowing that the act is wrong so why
would I resort to doing something wrong? Just because everyone does it doesn’t mean I have to
do it too. I know that it does not cause much but the mere fact that I am taking it home without
permission which is technically not mine is considered stealing. I was taught one lesson by my
parents which become our principle in life that no matter I badly need something, I should
persevere and work hard for it, and should never get it by force or stealing.

Caught stealing is a serious offense and if it happens that an employee is caught doing
such; it will send negative message(s) to the public that can cause trust issues to the public
which ironically in contrary to what a government employee should be as prescribed by the
Civil Service Commission. We shall serve the people for their welfare and this shall always
transcend over and above our personal goal.

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Case Study #6

MORE THAN JUST CASINOS

Legality and Morality are two different viewpoints. We cannot connect the two terms
and question it basis, considering that legal are those imposed to the society crafted and
created by legislators while moral are those that we follow because our conscience says that it
is the right thing to do. Moreover, what is permitted legally does not mean it is morally
acceptable same goes with what is morally acceptable it does not mean that it can be legally

BENAZIR A. MASUKAT 23
permitted and or acceptable. They do both have corresponding consequences. Hence,
something legal does not automatically implies that it is moral too.

On the given case, lotto, sweepstakes and other forms of gambling operated by
PAGCOR is legal because it was allowed by the government. It helps the government for it
generates revenues for the government projects such as school, ambulance, etc. Aside from
that it also helps sick and poor people who cannot afford their hospitalization and medication
through the help of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. However, in a religious point of view
as a Muslim we can’t deny the fact that it is still gambling and gambling is in contrary to moral
teachings, and beliefs of my religion. From that end, we clearly had seen the difference of legal
and moral.

Gambling is good for other people for it helps them to uplift the condition of their lives
and support their finances when winning. However, we must put it into moderation or do not
practice it at all for it can cause more serious problems that can lead to gambling addiction,
resulting to financial lost and often lead to committing criminal activities to support the habit.
Presidential Decree 1869 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, prohibits
government personnel “to enter, stay, or play in gambling casinos”.

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Case Study #7

I CAN AFFORD ANYWAY

R.A. 6713 Sec. 4, Simple Living states that “Public officials and employees and their
families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not
indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form”. With such ruling, if I will
that employee I would not agree with the opinion she has regarding CSC’s dress code.

Simplicity is beauty. This saying exactly describes how I feel about simple living.
Happiness cannot only be found on fancy things, but rather on small and simple things that we
earned through perspiration and hard work. Beauty of life does not rely on extravagant things,
but on how genuinely we get what we need, albeit we can afford it anyway. We are serving the
public and get to meet them everyday in our work. Ostentatious display of wealth could bring
negative impression to them, though our intention of wearing fancy things and jewelries is not
exactly negative or bad as they perceived it, we will be judged. Aside from that are the people
around us who are very observant of our lifestyle, rumors and speculations will be drawn if
something extravagant is seen on us when it comes to lifestyle which is above normal. These
rumors and speculations will eventually cause mistrust from the public thinking that we are

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involve in an anomaly (corruption). Thus, maintaining a good image as public servant must be
carried out by following the mandated dress code of the Civil Service Commission.

Case Study #8

GIFTS GALORE

We are known Filipinos for our natural kindness – for giving gifts to someone as token of
appreciation for the good deed they have done to us, in special occasion and even on normal
days. It has also become a norm for us and refusing it is a sign of insult to the one giving it.

Gift giving is good but it has to be recognized, controlled the one who gives it and
ourselves to receive it specially we are a government employee; because if it happens that
every time we did something good which is technically part of our job it would create a
negative impression to other clients that you are asking for extra payments for your services.
We might lose our credibility and the office/agency we are working with for engaging such
practice. In addition, we are also might be violating R.A. 9485 otherwise known as “Anti-Red
Tape Act of 2007”. On the other hand, we may only receive gifts which are nominal in value and
if appropriate to the occasion when it was made.

Looking at R.A. 6713, Josie was right when she said to Adora that she might be violating
the mentioned law, although Adora was also right when she said “receiving gifts is allowed as
long as they are nominal in value”. However, what she is always receiving is not nominal in
value anymore therefore she violated R.A. 6713. She should have not receive those gifts from
the people she renders services with because it may influence her official action in delivering
services which might reasonably be perceived as bribery relating to her past, present or future
official action to her client(s).

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Case Study # 9

FOR OFFICIAL USE ALSO

Having an office car/vehicle that can be used as means of transportation when needed
is one of the privileges of working in government. However, it should be only used for official
travel and business transaction that would benefit the office and not for personal use of
whoever is in the position of utilizing it. Moreover, the office’s vehicle should be marked with
the name of the office/agency. It is a serious offense to R.A. 6713 Sec. 4, Commitment to Public
Interest and defiance of Administrative Order No. 239 signed by Former President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo dated September 18, 2005 Sec. 1 “All government agencies are prohibited
from using government vehicles for purposes other than official business”.

If it happens that I may see by chance our office’s vehicle(s) or of other offices’ in places
where I least expect a government office/agency may transact business with, I will observe
further not to the point live investigators do because that’s too subjective. I have to gather
substantial proof or strong evidence why the said vehicle is parked there. It is also important to
know/see/witness how frequent that vehicle is being seen and parked there before reporting to
proper authorities. As a regular taxpayer and a government employee too, I have to uphold my
commitment to public interest and protect it against abusive government officials and
employees. We are all well guided of the Civil Service Commission rules. Aside from that, we
are all pushing changes for the government as Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao transitions; hence we need to eradicate such malpractice so it won’t be replicated by
any government officials and employees. We have taken our oath to the state and the public;
as cited from Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno, “Pangangalagaan ko ang mga gamit,
kasangkapan at iba pangpag-aari ng pamahalaan” therefore we are accountable and
answerable to the public for any government properties we utilized.

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Case Study #10

HE DOES, I DO

Government officials and employees should always uphold sense of professionalism and
commitment to public interest; these two are two important elements in becoming a model
government official and employee with great sense of accountability, and one way of showing it
is by being punctual in reporting to the office and leaving the office on the set standard office
hours. One of the implementing rules of the Civil Service Commission is the work schedule of
BENAZIR A. MASUKAT 28
government officials and employees to render a total of forty (40) hours a week. As quoted
from Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno “Ako’y papasok naang maaga at magtatrabaho nang
lampas sa takdang oras kung kinakailangan” thus it is clear on our part that we must report to
office on time regardless what position we hold and render the best services due to the public.

Meanwhile, as for the case of Mr. Sanchez, the Director, and Roy, a rank-and-file
employee both have wronged perception and action. Being the head of an office/agency it is
expected that you should be a good role model to your subordinates. You must possess the
standards, uphold and employ it as the Civil Service Commission ruling in pursuant to R.A. 6713.
One of the qualities of being a good role model is showing punctuality to your subordinates for
it motivates your subordinates to come to the office as early as you do which also attracts
productivity. Moreover, it is expected that you will have to work beyond office hours to meet
deadlines for the benefit of the office. However, to use such as an excuse for coming late to the
office is unethical, he must maintain and uphold professionalism under any circumstances.

On the other hand, Roy must have not compared himself to his Director for coming late
considering the weight of responsibility his Director holds. Roy’s reasoning is unethical; the
distance of his home to work is irrelevant and not an excuse for his tardiness. He could have
rented an apartment nearby his workplace to ensure he can report on time as he has pledge as
public servant. He can also ask for a flexi-time since it is also allowed by the Civil Service
Commission.

Asking whether who is right between the two should not be made as an issue anymore.
They both have duties and responsibilities owed to the public; hence they must do what is
necessary to do without compromising the service due to the public.

BENAZIR A. MASUKAT 29
 REFLECTION

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

Distance Learning Program of the Civil Service Commission brought me different

perspectives as a neophyte in the government. I did not regret enrolling to it for it helps me to
better understand our duties and responsibilities as government officials and employees in
pursuant to R.A. 6713 otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public
Officials and Employees. It was my first time to read the whole content of the R.A. 6713 Sec. 4,
though I do have ideas on my mind what should a government official and employee should
appropriately do. I was further enlightened of the lesson especially on the norms of conduct for
public officials and employees and I found a realization when the said norms of conduct will be
imbibed by those who are working in the government and properly employed we will have a an
efficient and effective government offices.

Moreover, if we will be able to commit and dedicate ourselves for public service
wholeheartedly and upholding R.A. 6713, we will be able to gain back the full support and trust
of the public in the government. With the support and participation of those on the workforce
and the public will help us in achieving the vision, mission and goals of our country.

BENAZIR A. MASUKAT 30
 In general, I would like to commend CSC for providing an avenue like this who are in the
workforce to further equip ourselves with necessary skills and holistic development as
government officials and employees.

BENAZIR A. MASUKAT 31