Study Guide: Ethics and Accountability in
the Public Service
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Review Notes
ETHICS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Definition of Ethics
Ethics refers to the moral principles and values that guide the behavior and decision-making of
public officials and employees. It helps determine what is right, fair, honest, and just in serving
the public.
Key Idea
Ethics is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
What is Public Service?
Public service means serving the people through government agencies with:
Honesty
Integrity
Efficiency
Fairness
Transparency
Accountability
Public servants include:
Government employees
Elected officials
Teachers
Police officers
Nurses in government hospitals
Military personnel
Civil servants
Importance of Ethics in Public Service
Ethics is important because it:
Builds public trust
Prevents corruption
Promotes fairness
Improves government services
Protects public resources
Encourages professionalism
Core Values of Public Service
1. Integrity
Doing what is right even without supervision.
Example:
A cashier returns excess money received from a supplier.
2. Honesty
Being truthful in reports, transactions, and communication.
Example:
Reporting actual attendance instead of falsifying time records.
3. Accountability
Being responsible for one's actions and decisions.
Example:
An employee admits a mistake and corrects it immediately.
4. Transparency
Government transactions should be open to public scrutiny.
Example:
Posting procurement results on the government website.
5. Professionalism
Maintaining competence, courtesy, and respect.
6. Commitment to Public Interest
Public welfare should always come before personal interest.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PUBLIC
SERVICE
Definition
Accountability means that public officials are answerable for their decisions, actions, and use
of public resources.
They must explain their actions and accept responsibility for mistakes.
Key Principle
Power comes with responsibility.
Elements of Accountability
Responsibility
Perform assigned duties properly.
Answerability
Explain actions and decisions.
Transparency
Provide accurate public information.
Consequences
Accept rewards or sanctions based on performance.
Types of Accountability
1. Political Accountability
Government officials answer to the people through elections.
Example:
A mayor may not be re-elected due to poor performance.
2. Administrative Accountability
Employees answer to supervisors and agencies.
Example:
Civil servants may receive disciplinary action for misconduct.
3. Legal Accountability
Officials are liable under the law.
Example:
A public officer charged with graft.
4. Financial Accountability
Officials are responsible for public funds.
Example:
Government auditors examine agency expenditures.
Philippine Laws Related to Ethics and
Accountability
1. Republic Act No. 6713
Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
Purpose:
Promotes high ethical standards among public servants.
Eight Norms of Conduct
1. Commitment to Public Interest
Public interest must come first.
2. Professionalism
Serve with excellence and courtesy.
3. Justness and Sincerity
Treat everyone fairly.
4. Political Neutrality
Avoid partisan political activities while performing official duties.
5. Responsiveness to the Public
Provide prompt and quality service.
6. Nationalism and Patriotism
Promote love of country.
7. Commitment to Democracy
Respect democratic institutions.
8. Simple Living
Avoid extravagant lifestyles beyond lawful income.
2. Republic Act No. 3019
Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
Prohibits:
Bribery
Receiving gifts
Abuse of authority
Favoritism
Illegal contracts
Conflict of interest
3. Republic Act No. 9485
Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007
Promotes:
Faster government services
Simpler procedures
Citizen's Charter
Reduced delays
4. Republic Act No. 11032
Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018
Strengthens the Anti-Red Tape Act by:
Shorter processing time
Online transactions
Automatic approval under certain conditions
Reduced bureaucracy
5. Republic Act No. 1379
Provides for the forfeiture of unlawfully acquired property of public officials.
6. Presidential Decree No. 46
Prohibits government officials from receiving gifts during official functions.
Constitutional Basis
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XI (Accountability of Public Officers), provides that:
Public office is a public trust.
Public officers must:
Be accountable to the people.
Serve with responsibility.
Serve with integrity.
Serve with loyalty.
Serve efficiently.
Serve patriotically.
Ethical Dilemmas in Public Service
Examples include:
Accepting gifts from suppliers
Nepotism
Favoritism
Conflict of interest
Misuse of government vehicles
Falsification of records
Unauthorized use of government funds
Confidentiality violations
Conflict of Interest
Occurs when personal interests influence official decisions.
Example:
A procurement officer awards a contract to a relative.
Whistleblowing
Reporting illegal or unethical acts committed by government officials.
Importance:
Prevents corruption
Protects public funds
Promotes transparency
Consequences of Unethical Behavior
Administrative sanctions
Suspension
Dismissal
Criminal charges
Civil liability
Loss of public trust
Good Governance Principles
Good governance is characterized by:
Accountability
Transparency
Participation
Rule of Law
Responsiveness
Equity
Effectiveness
Efficiency
Consensus-oriented decision-making
Role of Public Officials
Public officials should:
Follow the law.
Protect public resources.
Avoid corruption.
Respect citizens.
Maintain confidentiality.
Deliver quality public service.
Promote fairness.
Be role models.
Study Tips for Your MPA Exam
Remember the acronym HATPIE:
H – Honesty
A – Accountability
T – Transparency
P – Professionalism
I – Integrity
E – Ethics
Sample Essay Question
Question:
Why are ethics and accountability important in public service?
Suggested Answer:
Ethics and accountability are essential because they ensure that public officials act with honesty,
integrity, and responsibility while serving the people. Ethical behavior promotes fairness,
prevents corruption, and builds public trust in government institutions. Accountability requires
officials to answer for their decisions and properly manage public resources. Together, ethics and
accountability strengthen good governance, improve service delivery, and uphold the
constitutional principle that public office is a public trust.
Possible Comprehensive Examination
Questions
1. Define ethics in public service.
2. Explain the concept of accountability.
3. Differentiate ethics from accountability.
4. Discuss the Eight Norms of Conduct under RA 6713.
5. Explain the importance of transparency in government.
6. What is conflict of interest? Give an example.
7. Differentiate political, administrative, legal, and financial accountability.
8. Explain the constitutional principle that "Public office is a public trust."
9. How does RA 3019 help prevent corruption?
10. Discuss the role of ethics in achieving good governance.
Quick Review (Must Memorize)
Topic Key Point
Ethics Moral principles guiding conduct
Accountability Responsibility and answerability for actions
RA 6713 Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards
RA 3019 Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
RA 9485 Anti-Red Tape Act
RA 11032 Ease of Doing Business Act
PD 46 Prohibits receiving gifts
Article XI Public office is a public trust
Good Governance Accountability, transparency, participation, rule of law, efficiency
Exam Tip
For essay questions, always connect ethics and accountability to good governance, public
trust, and the constitutional principle that "public office is a public trust." Using relevant laws
such as RA 6713, RA 3019, and RA 11032 will strengthen your answers.