Category: General Information
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Topic 2 of 4
Exam Area: General Information
Professional & Subprofessional • Topic 2 of 4
RA 6713: Code of Conduct & Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
Ang Republic Act No. 6713 (inaprubahan noong February 20, 1989) ang pangunahing batas na gumagabay sa etika, tungkulin, at pananagutan ng lahat ng kawani ng gobyerno. Halos bawat Civil Service Exam ay may tanong mula sa batas na ito!
Learning Objectives:
- Makilala ang eksaktong kahulugan at sakop ng 8 Norms of Conduct sa ilalim ng Section 4 ng RA 6713.
- Matandaan ang mahahalagang depinisyon sa Section 3, lalo na ang Family (unmarried children under 18) at Relatives (within the 4th civil degree).
- Maisaulo ang eksaktong bilang ng araw sa Section 5 (15 working days sa sulat/requests, max 3 signatories, 45 working days sa annual performance report).
- Malaman ang SALN filing deadlines (Section 8), Divestment rules (Section 9: 30 at 60 days), Prohibited Acts (Section 7), at Penalties (Section 11).
Bakit mahalaga sa CSE: Sa CSE General Information, madalas gawing situational question ang 8 Norms of Conduct (hal. anong norm ang nilabag o ipinakita ng isang empleyado) at direktang tinatanong ang mga numero (15 working days, 30 days, April 30, 60 days, 4th civil degree).
1
Sections 2, 3 & 4 • Ethical Foundations
Declaration of Policy, Statutory Definitions & The 8 Norms of Conduct
Paano dapat kumilos ang isang lingkod-bayan at paano matutukoy ang tamang Norm of Conduct sa situational questions?
Idineklara sa Section 2 ng RA 6713 na polisiya ng Estado ang magtaguyod ng high standard of ethics in public service. Ang mga public officials at employees ay dapat managot sa taumbayan sa lahat ng oras at magpamalas ng utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, kumilos nang may patriotism and justice, mamuhay nang simple (lead modest lives), at itaguyod ang public interest over personal interest.
Concept Diagram
RA 6713: The 8 Norms of Conduct (Sec. 4) & Mandatory Statutory Numbers
Gamitin ang visual guide na ito upang mabilis matandaan ang 8 Norms of Conduct at lahat ng kritikal na numero sa RA 6713.
Visual Takeaway: Huwag malito sa Commitment to Public Interest (bayan bago sarili / tamang paggamit ng government resources) at Responsiveness to the Public (mabilis, magalang, at malinaw na serbisyo sa publiko).
Verified Statutory Text • RA 6713, Secs. 3 & 4
Key Definitions in Section 3 & Keyword Guide to the 8 Norms of Conduct (Section 4)
- Section 3(b) "Public Officials": Sakop ang elective at appointive officials at employees, permanent or temporary, nasa career or non-career service, kabilang ang military at police personnel, may bayad man o wala (whether or not they receive compensation), anuman ang halaga o uri.
- Section 3(g) "Family of public officials or employees": Tumutukoy sa asawa (spouses) at mga anak na walang asawa na wala pang 18 taong gulang (unmarried children under eighteen [18] years of age) na nakatira sa kanilang sambahayan (household).
- Section 3(k) "Relatives": Lahat ng kamag-anak within the fourth (4th) civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, kasama ang bilas, inso, at balae.
- Section 4 — The 8 Norms of Conduct (at kanilang Exam Keywords):
1. Commitment to public interest — Public interest over personal interest; matalino at matipid na paggamit ng pondo at kagamitan ng gobyerno (hindi ginagamit ang government vehicle o office supplies sa personal na lakad).
2. Professionalism — Highest degree of excellence, intelligence, and skill; pumapasok nang tapat at umiiwas sa "palakasan" o dispensations/peddling of undue patronage.
3. Justness and sincerity — Tapat sa mamamayan; iginagalang ang karapatan ng iba; no discrimination against anyone, especially the poor and the underprivileged.
4. Political neutrality — Nagbibigay ng serbisyo sa lahat without unfair discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference.
5. Responsiveness to the public — Prompt, courteous, and adequate service; malinaw na impormasyon, pinadaling proseso (simplification of procedures), at pakikinig sa public consultations.
6. Nationalism and patriotism — Tapat sa Republika at mamamayang Pilipino; pagtangkilik sa locally produced goods, resources, and technology.
7. Commitment to democracy — Pinaiiral ang public accountability at ang prinsipyo na ang civilian authority is supreme over the military.
8. Simple living — Namumuhay nang naaayon sa posisyon at kita (modest lives appropriate to their positions and income); walang extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth.
Key Takeaway: Tandaan ang eksaktong keyword ng bawat isa sa 8 Norms of Conduct para mabilis masagot ang situational questions sa CSE!
Halimbawa / Direct Example
Sample Question 1: Situational Application of Section 4 (8 Norms of Conduct)
During an election season, a municipal social welfare officer processes financial assistance requests equally and promptly for all qualified indigent residents, even for applicants who openly campaigned against the incumbent mayor. Which Norm of Conduct under Section 4 of RA 6713 is BEST exemplified?
A
Simple living
B
Nationalism and patriotism
C
Political neutrality
D
Commitment to democracy
Tamang Sagot: Choice C (Political neutrality)
Paliwanag: Ayon sa Section 4(d) ng RA 6713 (Political neutrality): 'Public officials and employees shall provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference.'
Important Distinction: Political Neutrality vs. Justness and Sincerity
Hanapin ang partikular na trigger phrase sa tanong: "regardless of party affiliation" = Political neutrality; "especially the poor and underprivileged" = Justness and sincerity; "locally produced goods" = Nationalism and patriotism.
Mali / Huwag Gagawin:
Nalilito kung kailan isasagot ang 'Justness and sincerity' at kailan ang 'Political neutrality' kapag may salitang 'no discrimination'.
Tama / Gawin Ito:
Kapag ang sitwasyon ay tungkol sa pantay na serbisyo KAHIT MAGKAIBA NG PARTIDO O KANDIDATO (party affiliation or political preference), ang tiyak na sagot ay Political neutrality. Kapag tungkol naman sa patas na pakikitungo sa mahihirap (poor and underprivileged) at hindi paggamit ng posisyon para manlamang, ito ay Justness and sincerity.
2
Sections 5 & 7 • Duties & Prohibitions
Duties of Public Officials (Sec. 5) & Prohibited Acts and Transactions (Sec. 7)
Ilang working days dapat sumagot sa sulat ng mamamayan at ano ang mga ipinagbabawal na transaksyon?
Verified Statutory Text • RA 6713, Sec. 5
Section 5: The 5 Statutory Duties of Public Officials and Employees
- Act promptly on letters and requests (Sec. 5[a]): Lahat ng public officials at employees ay dapat tumugon sa mga sulat, telegrama, o iba pang komunikasyon mula sa publiko sa loob ng fifteen (15) working days mula sa pagkatanggap nito (from receipt thereof). Ang sagot ay dapat naglalaman ng aksyong ginawa (action taken).
- Submit annual performance reports (Sec. 5[b]): Lahat ng heads ng opisina, ahensya, at GOCCs ay dapat magsumite ng annual performance report sa loob ng forty-five (45) working days mula sa pagtatapos ng taon (from the end of the year).
- Process documents and papers expeditiously (Sec. 5[c]): Ang mga opisyal na dokumento ay dapat iproseso sa loob ng makatwirang oras at dapat maglaman, hangga't maaari, ng not more than three (3) signatories. Kung wala ang signatory, ang susunod na opisyal o officer-in-charge ang pipirma.
- Act immediately on the public's personal transactions (Sec. 5[d]): Dapat harapin agad at asikasuhin ang sinumang mamamayan na may personal na transaksyon sa opisina.
- Make documents accessible to the public (Sec. 5[e]): Gawing bukas sa inspeksyon ng publiko ang mga pampublikong dokumento sa loob ng makatwirang office hours (maliban kung confidential ayon sa batas).
Key Takeaway: Kabisaduhin ang tatlong numero sa Section 5: 15 working days (action on letters/requests), 45 working days (annual performance report), at maximum 3 signatories!
Sa ilalim naman ng Section 7 (Prohibited Acts and Transactions), mahigpit na ipinagbabawal sa mga public officials at employees ang:
- Financial and material interest (Sec. 7[a]): Pagkakaroon ng tuwiran o di-tuwirang pinansyal na interes sa anumang transaksyon na nangangailangan ng pag-apruba ng kanilang opisina.
- Outside employment and related activities (Sec. 7[b]): Pagiging officer/director ng pribadong negosyo na nire-regulate ng kanilang opisina; private practice of profession maliban kung awtorisado ng Konstitusyon o batas (at walang conflict sa official functions); at pagrerekomenda ng sinumang tao sa pribadong kompanya na may transaksyon sa kanilang opisina.
Mahalagang Rule: Ang mga pagbabawal na ito ay patuloy na umiiral sa loob ng one (1) year after resignation, retirement, or separation from public office, partikular sa pagharap o pakikipagtransaksyon sa dati nilang opisina! - Disclosure and/or misuse of confidential information (Sec. 7[c]): Paggamit o paglalabas ng confidential information para sa sariling interes o para bigyan ng undue advantage ang iba.
- Solicitation or acceptance of gifts (Sec. 7[d]): Paghingi o pagtanggap (tuwiran o di-tuwiran) ng regalo, pabor, entertainment, loan, o anumang bagay na may monetary value mula sa sinumang tao sa gitna ng opisyal na tungkulin o kaugnay ng transaksyong maaaring maapektuhan ng kanilang opisina.
Exception under Section 3(d) & Section 7(d): Hindi sakop ng "Gift" ang unsolicited gift of nominal or insignificant value na hindi ibinigay kapalit ng anumang pabor sa opisyal na transaksyon, o mga regalong mula sa ibang bansa na tinanggap bilang tanda ng courtesy/diplomacy na idinedeklara sa gobyerno.
Halimbawa / Direct Example
Sample Question 2: Section 5 Duties of Public Officials
Under Section 5(a) and Section 5(c) of Republic Act No. 6713, within how many days must public officials and employees respond to letters and requests sent by the public, and what is the maximum number of signatories that official papers and documents should contain as far as practicable?
A
10 calendar days; not more than 5 signatories
B
15 working days; not more than 3 signatories
C
15 calendar days; not more than 4 signatories
D
30 working days; not more than 2 signatories
Tamang Sagot: Choice B (15 working days; not more than 3 signatories)
Paliwanag: Direktang nakasaad sa Section 5(a) ng RA 6713: 'All public officials and employees shall, within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof, respond to letters, telegrams or other means of communications sent by the public.' At sa Section 5(c): '...must contain, as far as practicable, not more than three (3) signatories therein.'
Ang 'Working Days' vs. 'Calendar Days' Trap sa RA 6713
Laging suriin kung working days o days ang hinihingi sa tanong:
• Pagsagot sa sulat/requests = 15 working days
• Annual performance report = 45 working days
• SALN assumption/separation = within 30 days
• Divestment (resignation / disposal of shares) = within 30 days / within 60 days
• Pagsagot sa sulat/requests = 15 working days
• Annual performance report = 45 working days
• SALN assumption/separation = within 30 days
• Divestment (resignation / disposal of shares) = within 30 days / within 60 days
Mali / Huwag Gagawin:
Pinili ang '15 calendar days' para sa pagsagot sa sulat (Sec. 5) o '30 working days' para sa pag-file ng SALN (Sec. 8).
Tama / Gawin Ito:
Magkaiba ang unit ng araw sa Section 5 at Section 8! Sa Section 5 (pagsagot sa sulat at annual report), WORKING DAYS ang ginagamit (15 working days at 45 working days). Sa Section 8 (SALN) at Section 9 (Divestment), DAYS (calendar days) ang nakasaad sa batas (within 30 days / within 60 days).
3
Sections 8, 9 & 11 • SALN, Divestment & Sanctions
SALN Filing Deadlines (Sec. 8), Divestment (Sec. 9) & Penalties (Sec. 11)
Kailan nagfa-file ng SALN, sino ang exempted, at ano ang gagawin kapag may conflict of interest?
Reference Table
SALN Filing Rules (Section 8) & Divestment Rules (Section 9) Summary
| Provision / Topic | Exact Statutory Requirement | Key Details & Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SALN Filing Deadlines (Sec. 8[A]) |
• Within 30 days after assumption of office • On or before April 30 of every year thereafter • Within 30 days after separation from the service |
Kasama sa SALN ang assets, liabilities, net worth, at financial/business interests ng opisyal, ng kanyang asawa, at ng unmarried children under 18 living in their households. |
| 2. Who are Exempted from Filing SALN? (Sec. 8[A]) |
1. Those who serve in an official honorary capacity (without service credit or pay) 2. Laborers 3. Casual or temporary workers |
Lahat ng iba pang constitutional at national/local officials, career/non-career employees, at armed forces personnel ay obligadong mag-file. |
| 3. Identification of Relatives in Gov't (Sec. 8[B]) | Disclosure of relatives in the government | Dapat tukuyin ang mga kamag-anak sa gobyerno within the 4th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity. |
| 4. Public Access & Retention of SALN (Sec. 8[C]) |
• Available for inspection at reasonable hours • Available for copying after 10 working days from filing • Kept for 10 years after receipt |
Ipinagbabawal gamitin ang SALN para sa: (1) any purpose contrary to morals or public policy; o (2) any commercial purpose maliban sa news at communications media para sa public dissemination. |
| 5. Divestment (Sec. 9) |
• Resign from private business position: within 30 days from assumption of office • Divest shareholdings/interest: within 60 days from assumption |
Ginagawa upang maiwasan ang conflict of interest. Hindi obligado sa mga naglilingkod sa honorary capacity, laborers, at casual/temporary workers. |
| 6. Penalties (Sec. 11) |
• Admin: Fine up to 6 months' salary, suspension up to 1 year, or removal/dismissal • Criminal (Secs. 7, 8, 9): Imprisonment up to 5 years, or fine up to P5,000, or both, plus disqualification |
Ang CSC ang may primary responsibility sa pagpapatupad at paggawa ng rules and regulations ng RA 6713 (Section 12). |
Lahat ng importanteng detalye sa Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) at Divestment.
Visual Takeaway: Tatlo ang panahon ng pagfa-file ng SALN: (1) within 30 days after assumption of office, (2) on or before April 30 of every year thereafter, at (3) within 30 days after separation from the service.
Halimbawa / Direct Example
Sample Question 3: SALN Filing & Divestment Deadlines (Sections 8 & 9)
Newly appointed Director Santos assumed office on July 1. Under Republic Act No. 6713, within how many days from assumption of office must Director Santos file his initial Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), and if a conflict of interest exists with a private corporation where he holds shares, within what period must he resign from any position in that business and divest his shareholdings?
A
SALN within 15 days; resign within 15 days and divest shares within 30 days
B
SALN within 30 days; resign within 30 days and divest shares within 60 days
C
SALN on or before April 30; resign within 60 days and divest shares within 90 days
D
SALN within 45 days; resign within 30 days and divest shares within 45 days
Tamang Sagot: Choice B (SALN within 30 days; resign within 30 days and divest shares within 60 days)
Paliwanag: Ayon sa Section 8(A) ng RA 6713, ang initial SALN ay dapat i-file 'within thirty (30) days after assumption of office.' Ayon naman sa Section 9 (Divestment), kapag may conflict of interest, dapat siyang mag-resign sa kanyang posisyon sa private business enterprise 'within thirty (30) days from his assumption of office and/or divest himself of his shareholdings or interest within sixty (60) days from such assumption.'
Step-by-Step Verification
-
1
Suriin ang deadline ng Initial SALN (Section 8[A])Kapag bagong upo sa puwesto (assumption of office), ang deadline ay within 30 days after assumption of office.
-
2
Suriin ang dalawang deadline sa Divestment (Section 9)Una: Pagbitiw sa posisyon sa pribadong negosyo = within 30 days from assumption of office. Pangalawa: Pag-divest o pagbitiw sa shareholdings/interest = within 60 days from assumption.
-
3
Itugma sa choicesAng eksaktong kombinasyon na 30 days (SALN), 30 days (resignation), at 60 days (divestment of shares) ay nasa Choice B.
Final Answer:
Choice B (SALN within 30 days; resign within 30 days and divest shares within 60 days)
Memory Cheat Sheet ng Lahat ng Numero sa RA 6713
• 3 — Maximum signatories sa opisyal na dokumento (Sec. 5[c])
• 4th Civil Degree — Sakop ng "Relatives" by consanguinity or affinity (Sec. 3[k])
• 8 — Bilang ng Norms of Conduct (Sec. 4)
• 10 Working Days — Panahon mula sa filing bago maaaring kopyahin ng publiko ang SALN (Sec. 8[C])
• 10 Years — Haba ng panahon na itinatago ng custodian ang SALN (Sec. 8[C])
• 15 Working Days — Pagsagot sa sulat at requests mula sa publiko (Sec. 5[a])
• 18 Years Old — Edad kung saan ang unmarried children sa household ay sakop pa ng "Family" at SALN (Sec. 3[g])
• 30 Days — Filing ng SALN after assumption/separation (Sec. 8) AT resignation sa private business post (Sec. 9)
• April 30 — Taunang deadline ng pag-file ng SALN (Sec. 8[A])
• 45 Working Days — Pagsusumite ng annual performance report ng ahensya mula sa pagtatapos ng taon (Sec. 5[b])
• 60 Days — Pag-divest ng shareholdings o interest mula sa assumption of office (Sec. 9)
• 4th Civil Degree — Sakop ng "Relatives" by consanguinity or affinity (Sec. 3[k])
• 8 — Bilang ng Norms of Conduct (Sec. 4)
• 10 Working Days — Panahon mula sa filing bago maaaring kopyahin ng publiko ang SALN (Sec. 8[C])
• 10 Years — Haba ng panahon na itinatago ng custodian ang SALN (Sec. 8[C])
• 15 Working Days — Pagsagot sa sulat at requests mula sa publiko (Sec. 5[a])
• 18 Years Old — Edad kung saan ang unmarried children sa household ay sakop pa ng "Family" at SALN (Sec. 3[g])
• 30 Days — Filing ng SALN after assumption/separation (Sec. 8) AT resignation sa private business post (Sec. 9)
• April 30 — Taunang deadline ng pag-file ng SALN (Sec. 8[A])
• 45 Working Days — Pagsusumite ng annual performance report ng ahensya mula sa pagtatapos ng taon (Sec. 5[b])
• 60 Days — Pag-divest ng shareholdings o interest mula sa assumption of office (Sec. 9)
4
Authoritative Sources • Legal Verification
Verified References for Lesson 2
Mga opisyal at pangunahing sanggunian na ginamit sa araling ito.
| Source Title | Issuing Agency / Institution | Relevant Article / Provision | Official URL | Date Accessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) | Arellano Law Foundation — The Lawphil Project (Congress of the Philippines) | Sections 1–12 (Policy, Definitions, 8 Norms, Duties, Prohibited Acts, SALN, Divestment, Penalties) | lawphil.net | 2026-11-06 |
| Republic Act No. 6713 (Approved February 20, 1989) | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines | Full Statutory Text of RA 6713 | officialgazette.gov.ph | 2026-11-06 |
Quick Recap: RA 6713 Master Checklist
- Sec. 3 Definitions: Family = spouse + unmarried children under 18 living in the household; Relatives = within the 4th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.
- Sec. 4 (8 Norms of Conduct): Commitment to public interest, Professionalism, Justness and sincerity, Political neutrality, Responsiveness to the public, Nationalism and patriotism, Commitment to democracy, at Simple living.
- Sec. 5 (Duties): Sumagot sa sulat/requests sa loob ng 15 working days; max 3 signatories sa dokumento; magsumite ng annual performance report sa loob ng 45 working days mula sa pagtatapos ng taon.
- Sec. 8 (SALN): I-file within 30 days after assumption, on or before April 30 every year, at within 30 days after separation. Exempted ang honorary capacity, laborers, at casual/temporary workers.
- Sec. 9 (Divestment): Mag-resign sa private business post within 30 days at mag-divest ng shares/interest within 60 days mula sa assumption of office kapag may conflict of interest.
Supplementary Video References
Want Another Explanation?
Sometimes, learning a topic becomes easier when you hear it explained in a different way. Here are some independently selected videos that may help you understand this lesson better.
YouTube
CIVIL SERVICE EXAM | General Information: RA 6713 | CSE Online Reviewer
Explains the 8 norms of conduct, duties of public officials (15 working days, SALN filing), and penalties under Republic Act No. 6713.
YouTube
Prohibited Acts and Transactions | RA 6713
Focuses on Section 7 of RA 6713 covering financial and material interest, outside employment restrictions, confidentiality, and gift prohibitions.
YouTube
RA 6713 Sample Questions | Civil Service Exam, BCLTE Reviewer
Walks through situational multiple-choice questions applying RA 6713 ethical standards, SALN rules, and nepotism exemptions.
These videos are independently selected by ToolBayan for supplementary educational purposes. All videos remain the property of their respective creators and channels. ToolBayan is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or officially endorsed by the featured creators or channels.
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