LESSON I

THE NORMS OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS

AND EMPLOYEES

COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC INTEREST

How can you show your commitment to public interest?

Being a civil servant requires level of satisfaction higher than that of

other workers because it is our responsibility to serve the public for the
common good. It is expected that we must do our responsibilities to be
contributor to the protection, growth and betterment not only of our country
but of the people who are the most important composition of a State.

I can show my commitment to public interest by advancing to the point

where I will use public resources with the same vigilance as a good mother of a
family would. It is because of my passion and love in the work vested upon me
by the public through their trust and confidence towards us, civil servants. In
our agency, we are implementing conservation of energy where we are only
allowed to use air-condition unit from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4 pm
regardless of our regular working hours of 8am to 5pm. The discipline that we
can learn from the said practice will be of great help in the utilization of public
funds and revenues more efficiently, effectively, and economically – which
entails our primary goal, to protect and serve the public for the common good. I
also believe that showing my commitment to public interest equates showing
my love and dedication to my work.

Our practice may only constitute small impact in the preservation of

government funds but if accumulated, it will make a difference because great
things are not done in a flick of a finger but of accumulated small deeds.
 PROFESSIONALISM
How can you become more professional? How can you improve the work
you do in the office to improve your service to public?
Professionalism is the conduct, behavior and attitude of someone in a
work or business environment. A person doesn’t have to work in a specific
profession to demonstrate the important qualities and characteristics of a
professional.
There are many ways to convey professionalism and I will name some
which can be of great help in my improvement while serving the public. One of
which is to work with excellence by producing work and results that will reflect
a sense of pride and professionalism according to best of my ability and as a
goal - to exceed expectations. Another is to embrace feedback from my
colleagues and take it as a challenge for my improvement. I will serve as an
inspiration by taking it with professional attitude and I believe that those
feedbacks will be of great help in my constant development to be able to keep
up with the dynamic to have a high level of work ethic and excellence.
As an accountant who is responsible in the disbursement of public
funds, I will also see to it that we will only disburse or reimburse expenditures
if it is with complete supporting documents to prove that such claim is proper
and is in accordance of existing laws, rules and regulations.

POLITICAL NEUTRALITY
How can you put into practice political neutrality?
Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines as a
constitutional right where no one should be deprived of, unless disqualified by
law. The only difference of us being a civil servant is we cannot engage, directly
or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign to achieve
political neutrality.

Political neutrality is expected from us being a civil servant, thus I would

be happy to serve equally and with dedication Filipinos without discrimination
of their beliefs and the political affiliations they support as it is their right as a
Filipino citizen. I can also adhere to political neutrality by not accepting nor
tolerating any bribes in exchange of my right to vote to whom I believe in and I
will not sell my vote for it is my chance to demand a better future for the
Filipinos.
 JUSTNESS AND SINCERITY
Can you recall an experience when your honesty was tested? Or when
you became a victim of dishonesty?

Numerous times, I’ve felt tempted on situations I encounter. It is an act

of considering to do something wrong or unwise. Those temptations impair our
capacity to justice and sincerity.

In my responsibilities, I do commit errors. These errors will be an avenue

for me to learn and be better by doing wise solutions toward it rather than
blame someone to be responsible of my actions.

Honesty is a very important virtue to possess. It will lead to peace in our

work places because it will constitute respect. We can live a genuine life with
honesty for we don’t need to lie just to make an impression. A work place
where everybody can enjoy for it is free from discrimination and other forms of
hate.

I can show justness and sincerity in the performance of my work by

resisting temptation. I will not accept gifts in exchange to my duties and
services within my responsibility rather to always do my job to the best of my
ability.

RESPONSIVENESS TO THE PUBLIC

How can you show Responsiveness? What realization did you

gain from this session? List down below your answers.
Being responsive means we shall extend prompt, courteous and
adequate service to public needs and demands without discrimination of race,
age, financial status and origin, social ties and appearance.

I make an effort to be receptive by placing myself in the position of the

clients I serve. I want to treat people with the same respect, honesty, and
positivity that I want to be treated and served. In dealing with individuals,
tolerance and patience are also essential. A skill that helps me deal with other
people's conduct and ultimately help them efficiently.

I realized that civil servants must be proactive and disciplined in all

aspects of our work to quickly meet the expectations of the public. We must
consider that what we are doing is for the common good. If there are clients
that are not of pleasing personality, I will have to adjust in dealing with their
attitude and sympathize that maybe they are just going through difficult times.
I will still serve them to the best of my ability and will change the public's
opinion that the government is inefficient in meeting its citizens' demands.

NATIONASLISM AND PATRIOTISM

I. 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 about her?
Nationalism and Patriotism are used interchangeably. However they are
of different meanings. Patriotism is the appreciation of to one’s country and its
values while Nationalism implies nation’s superiority.

I am Filipino, a proud one. I suppose you are one too. Philippines, a

country full of wonderful places with great people who are hospitable, that even
if you are a foreigner or stranger, we can make time to smile to you and ask if
you’re feeling alright.

I can show my love and care for my country by adhering to the agency
policy for the preservation of electricity not only in our office but in our houses.
It can really make a difference to simply turn off appliances. We are already
facing shortage of electricity supply in our country and is experiencing power
rotation brown out to suffice to, with these, it will be a great eye opener for us
to improve our way of living by conserving electricity as long as we could. I will
also participate in the activities being made by our authorities in promoting
their advocacies such as 60 hour program, where we are voluntarily
encouraged to stop electric consumption. This is being done around the world,
if all of us will adhere with it, it will have great impact. Discipline to be adhered
will be one way for me to show my love to Philippines, my country.
II. Enumerate eight (8) things you can be proud about
Filipinos or about the Filipinos.

Description Why Do You Say So?

1. Filipinos are hospitable. We are very friendly, even if you are a
foreigner or stranger, we can make
time to smile to you and ask if you’re
feeling alright.

2. Filipinos are religious. In every city or town and even

barangays, there will always be a
chapel or church and in every home
of most Filipinos, the altar will never
be missed.

3. Filipinos are respectful. Children are taught to say "po" and

"opo" at a very young age to show
deference for the elders. Young and
old, they are bound to give respect to
people older than them, a quality that
I am really proud of.

4. Filipinos are joyous. Filipinos would find themselves

laughing over their problems in life. I
love smiling and laughing too. It is a
stress reliever for me

5. Filipinos are hardworking. Philippines as an archipelago,

farming became the main source of
living of Filipinos. Farming depicts
diligence and hard work, We are also
known for our dedication in doing
our best.

6. Philippines is fun We are rich of beautiful places to visit

and adventures to enjoy. We are also
being visited by foreigners for our
 breath taking tourist destinations.

7. Filipinos value traditions. We believe on superficial beliefs

which in places are considered as
their traditions and cultures. We
do respect our own beliefs and no
one do have the right to judge it.

8. Filipinos value love for family. The family as a basic unit of the
society is highly preserved by the
Filipinos.

COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY

I. 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.

“A JUST nation where whatever inequality exists is caused not by the

way people act towards each other but my differences in natural talents; where
poverty, ignorance, and hunger are attacked and every farmer has a 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.”

I chose this part as it strikes me because of our indifferences. We all

have unique talents and these will help us to face the real world. We might not
possess equal and the same talents but we need each other for us to live
because “no man is an island.” Regardless of status, we are all important in the
growth and development of our country, therefore discrimination must be
eliminated, we need to work together, whether we like it or not, we are one
nation with one future, a future that will be as bright or as dark as we remain
united or divided.
II. Would you write in one paragraph your feelings or
insights about the importance of democracy in a free and just
society?

Democracy is widely known to be associated with the phrase,

“government of the people, by the people, for the people.” It is very important
because we get to enjoy freedom and our human rights are being protected. As
an effect we have set of rules and rights to be raised in case of violation for it is
not only a privilege but is obligatory and it cannot be revoked nor alienated. It
is also our privilege to enjoy life, liberty and property with due process of law as
our constitutional right to enjoy being in a democratic country. Therefore, we
can live in a safer and secured place where one can enjoy its freedom and
rights which should not prejudice others in exchange of personal gain.

SIMPLE LIVING

A. Write your insights by completing the following

sentences. You can come up with as many as sentences as you
can.

I feel devastated by the fact that some are wasting their resources to not
so important things in life while others are striving their best to live and worst
– to just have at least a meal per day to enjoy or sometimes they have none. It
also sadden me to the reality that those who are really working hard are living
not as comfortable as those who are rich and does not need to suffer for a
work because of their abuse of power to be financially stable and maintain
their high standard. I am also saddened to the fact that there are still corrupt
government officials who tends to use public utilities for their own personal
interests.

I realize the value of simple living. Contentment is a result of simplicity.

When a person is not concerned about purchasing every new electronic device
or material possession they are able to feel grateful for what they do have. On
the other hand, the person that does live with a materialistic attitude will never
feel that they serve a valuable purpose. This person will then become obsessed
with obtaining more and will likely forget what is of the utmost importance. A
simple lifestyle is a matter of mindset and is not completely determined by
what you have.

I will continue to live a life of contentment. It will result a lifestyle that I

will enjoy for it is simple yet authentic. I will not choose to be poor just to prove
someone that I have my means. I will not tolerate living beyond my means for it
will lead me more to poverty than success and contentment. . It feels great to
be able to purchase our desires, but we should never sacrifice our needs in
order to afford luxuries.

LESSON II

OTHER PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF THE CODE

SELF-CHECK TEST

I. TRUE OR FALSE

1 False

2 False

3 True

4 True

5 False

6 False

II. ENUMERATION
A. Two prohibited acts/ transactions.
1. Public officials and employees shall not, directly or indirectly
have any financial or material interest in any transaction
requiring the approval of their office.
 2. Public officials and employees shall not engage in the private
practice of their profession unless authorized by the
Constitution or law, provided that such practice will not conflict
or tend to conflict with their official functions.

B. Three forms of incentives and rewards any of which

may be given to government officials and employees.
1. Directorship in government-owned or controlled corporations
2. Bonuses
3. Paid vacation

C. Conflict of interest occurs when the official or

employee is:
1. Directly or indirectly have any financial or material interest in any
transaction requiring approval of their office.
2. Owning, controlling, managing, or accepting employment as officer,
employee, consultant, counsel, broker, agent, trustee, or nominee in
any private enterprise regulated, supervised, or licensed by their
office unless expressly allowed by law.
3. Engaging in the private practice of their profession unless
authorized by the Constitution or law.

D. Persons exempted from filing a Statement of Assets,

Liabilities and Networth.
1. Temporary laborers
2. Temporary/ casual/ contractual workers
3. Those who serve in an official honorary capacity without service credit
or pay.
 E. Penalties that may be imposed under RA 6713
against public officers and employees:
1. Criminal
2. Civil
3. Administrative

LESSON III: THE CASES

CASE STUDY 1

AN ISLAND FIRESTORM

If you were the official concern, what would you do after

knowing the findings of the chemist? How would you show
commitment to public interest in this case?

In the given case, it is a battle between tourism versus health. We all

know that Philippines is rich with natural beauty of creations that attract
many people to visit the country. There are beautiful beaches and you will
enjoy diving to see how rich our biodiversity is, you can also chill and be kissed
with the sunlight to have tan skin – which other nations envy of us.

Our tourist spots became a bread and butter to some who exercises
trade and business in the places as their source of revenue for a living. With a
number tourists going to those places, it increase growth in economy, as such
tourism plans and strategies are constantly being improved and developed to
encourage even more tourists to visit specific locations. However, these
improvements often result to environmental degradation.
 If I were the official concerned after knowing the findings of the chemist, I
will make sure to have the laws and regulations be implemented such as the
implementation that every resort shall have environmental clearance before
they can operate accordingly. In order to get one, they must have detailed plans
on their proper disposal of waste to ensure that environment will not suffer for
the negligible acts of the people. Another is to promote sanitation and proper
waste disposal to educate locals through seminars to be initiated by our
government agencies for a seminar that is free or has a minimal fees. The risk
which they are going through because of the coliform, which is an indication
that waters were already contaminated, with that I will implement total closure
on the island for rehabilitation by having it retest by the chemist and will
adhere to the solution he may recommend because if I will risk to have it
reopened, the health and wellness of the tourists as well as the constituents
should be the top most priority.

Through these actions, I can prove my commitment to public interest, by

being responsible of our actions in maintaining the cleanliness of our
environment for it to be a better place to live in.

CASE STUDY 2

WANTED: DEAD HEROES

If you were in Rick’s shoes, how will you respond to the

situation? Will you allow Alonzo to pass through or not? Why
and why not?

Illegal logging damages forest ecosystems, decreases biodiversity,

threatens government policies and revenue streams, increases greenhouse gas
emissions and denies local communities the chance to improve their quality of
life. It has a significant negative impact on the environment, the economy, and
society. Trees play a significant role in economic development and are
important to each living organism because it supplies us with fresh air, water
and food.

With the significance of trees to us, we are been irresponsible of our

actions toward it and illegal lodging is a wide and common problem in our
society which results to drying out of soil and had ruined wildlife habitat.

In the given case, Rick courteously informed Alonzo that they engaged in
illegal cutting however he was anxious due to the fact that there were
numerous uniformed personnel in the truck. If I were Rick, I will use my legal
authority as a police officer to stop a vehicle carrying unlawfully cut trees,
check the documentation supporting their acts, and, if necessary, politely warn
Alonzo and his team that they will not be permitted to pass through with all of
those recently-cut flitches. The illegally cut and harvested narra flitches will
also be seized and forfeited to the government because it is clear that this is a
significant infraction against the government.

If ever they will not adhere to me, then I will not put the law in my hands
but rather to adhere due process by reporting them to my higher ranked
officials and let the law speaks for the injustice that they have done.

CASE STUDY 3

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO

Do you agree with Glenda? Why?

Is whistle blowing to the media acceptable as whistle blowing

to an elected national official?
 Whistleblowing is a disclosure by a person, usually an employee in a
government agency or private entity, to the public or to those in authority of
mismanagement, corruption, illegality, or some other wrongdoing.

Some people view whistle blowers as heroic deeds who are prepared to
put their lives on the line both professionally and personally in order to reveal
wasteful, dishonest practices that could endanger the welfare of the country.

I don't agree with Glenda's response to her charge. I would rather

approach the appropriate authorities who are more knowledgeable about
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Clearance first, rather than going
straight to the press or Senator Enriquez. If Glenda will push it through, she
will face revenge from her staff if she goes ahead with her decision. Usually, if
she blows the whistle on something, her employer will fire her. To make
matters worse, let's assume Glenda is an at-will employee or a contractual
employee who does not have a set period of employment. Her employer has the
right to terminate her at any moment and without cause. Her actions may
destabilize a work environment and seriously injure those who have been
falsely accused.

Whistleblowing, in my opinion, is a form of free expression. People

should be treated equitably when they honestly raise their concerns about any
potential misconduct within the business. They are also not required to remain
silent if they suspect wrongdoing or if they are requested to do something that
they believe breaches the law or the interests of the public.

CASE STUDY 4

PICK ME UP

If you are in Ronnie’s shoes, what would you do?

 Our moral perspectives are shifting because offering gifts to public
officials appears to be or is related to bribery and might provide the impression
of undue influence. Bribery, either direct or indirect, is a crime punishable
under Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. To define, a gift is something of
value given without asking anything in return while a bribe is the same with
the hope to influence or benefit something in return.

In the present case, Ms. Santos, a client of Ronnie de Guzman, a geodetic

engineer employed by the Bureau of Lands, submitted a land application.
Ronnie did an excellent job of handling Ms. Santos' application quickly. The
client left a money envelope in the room after he gave her the title, as a sign of
her gratitude and appreciation for Ronnie. If I were Ronnie, I would return the
money to Ms. Santos. Even if Ms. Santos is sincere about giving gifts to
employees, I will refuse. I'll try to explain to her that I can't accept the money
because it's my responsibility to provide her with excellent service in the first
place.

There are the kinds of temptations that make us think twice, but we
must always keep in mind our primary goal: providing excellent public service.

CASE STUDY 5

BRING HOME OFFICE GOODIES

Which side would you take? Cynthia’s side or Mely’s? Why?

Stealing at work starts out small and grows into large-scale stealing.
Take a pen, for instance. If an employee steals one pen and gets away with it,
they might then steal a box of pens. If not caught, the employee can start more
serious thefts until someone notices missing goods. Organizations and
government bodies are experiencing this issue on a more frequent basis.
 Assets owned by the company are not intended for personal use. Each
and every office worker has a duty to defend and keep corporate property safe
against theft, loss, misuse, and wastage. Even the tiniest items, like a pen or a
staple wire, are allowed for business usage only and should never be utilized
for personal use.

I'd side with Cynthia. She was right when she noted that stealing is
stealing no matter how little it costs as long as you take what is not yours.
Daily thefts of tiny sums of cash or valuables can aggregate to millions of
pesos. Employees may be allowed to bring home the supplies we need for our
jobs, in a work from home arrangement.

CASE STUDY 6

MORE THAN JUST CASINOS

Is something legal also automatically moral? What do you

think?

Moral rights are those granted in line with ethics or moral principles and
legal rights are those created by the state or government for the benefit of its
citizens, human rights are universal freedoms that any person can enjoy. The
concept of morality is incredibly individualized. When you hear the word moral,
the first thing that springs to mind is what is right and wrong. What is entirely
correct to one person could seem entirely incorrect to another.

Legality is not always a moral requirement. It does not imply that it is

acceptable or that the law permits it. Not everything that is morally wrong is
also unethical. Additionally, something is not necessarily criminal just because
it is unethical. For instance, is abortion morally acceptable even though it is
legal in some countries? No. We equate it with casinos and gambling, even
though gambling is illegal despite casinos being lawful. In my opinion,
gambling is not wholly evil if done in moderation. As long as you don't steal in
order to gamble or mislead others as a result of gambling, it is morally okay.

In any case, that doesn't imply that betting is great or that it has no
unfortunate results. The gambling sector can also provide jobs for people,
lowering the unemployment rate in the nation, or it can increase the nation's
income by producing resources that assist the government in fulfilling
customer needs and expectations by responsive presence consistently and
dependably.

CASE STUDY 7

I CAN AFFORD ANYWAY

If you were this employee, would you agree with her opinion
regarding the CSC’s dress code?

In terms of appropriate clothes, modesty entails abiding by rules. These

enable us to dress in ways that reflect our individual tastes and styles while
still appropriately covering us, being gender-appropriate, and being considerate
of people who interact with us on a regular basis.

I disagree with the employee who stated that the CSC does not have the
authority to tell people what to wear. Every job has its own set of standards
about attire. We must preserve our professionalism as employees. Additionally,
maintaining a professional appearance is crucial to becoming one. The way you
present yourself typically reveals who you are and what you perform for the
organization to clients or coworkers. Every business professional must present
themselves professionally since it shows that you are dedicated to your job.
Having a decent appearance makes you feel well, which boosts productivity.
Although the caliber of your work is crucial, the way you present yourself has
an immediate impact on both the public and your coworkers.

As government employees, we must strongly support the dress code of

CSC. While each of us have the right to express ourselves, so as businesses,
and the way we dress definitely sends intended or unintended messages to the
market.

CASE STUDY 8

GIFTS GALORE

Who do you think between Adora and Josie is right? Why?

Filipinos have a tendency to be giving individuals. Filipinos use giving to

show their love and appreciation for other people. Gift-giving between a
government employee and their client, however, can be interpreted differently.

Adora should think twice before accepting any gifts from her customers.
People have many different ways of expressing their feelings. Some people give
presents in the hopes of receiving anything in return. Receiving gifts might be
awkward for certain recipients. Miscommunication may happen as a result.
Because she was presumably under pressure or because the client might have
demanded something, Adora might have a tendency to want to reciprocate
immediately soon. As a result, giving gifts stops being an act of appreciation
and instead turns into a business transaction. Regardless matter how tiny the
gift is, Adora may do favors for her clients when she owes them thanks because
she does not want to look bad.

The company's protocol for offering or accepting gifts or other hospitality

must be explained to employees. Inform your customers about your hospitality
offerings and presents, and remind them that your service is consistent with
your regular business dealings by setting a good example for others to follow.
Additionally, employees need to be aware that their actions may have
consequences and that, no matter the situation, disciplinary action will always
be taken against those who engage in unethical behavior.

CASE STUDY 9

“FOR OFFICIAL USE ALSO”

If you happen to chance upon a government service vehicle

parked in places where you least expect a government official
may transact business with, what will you do? Will you take
time to report the incident to the Ombudsman? If not, what
will you do?

In our agency, we have access to a company car for official business and
use. Vehicles are made available for a range of activities, including as site
visits, meeting attendance, client presentations, customer amusement, and
product delivery or service. On every government vehicle, the name and
location of the office, corporation, or agency are prominently displayed.

Erna's suspicions regarding Director Sison's service vehicle parked in the

SM Megamall ground lot are valid. She could be dubious. She does not,
however, have enough information to draw the conclusion that Director Sison
has been utilizing the agency's service vehicle for private purposes. Assuming
that Director Sison chose to eat at SM Food court after completing business at
a neighboring government department may also be accurate.

If I were in their position, I would delay to contact the Ombudsman as I

lack proof as to why the government service car was parked at the SM
Megamall ground lot. I think it's safe to conclude Minda was right for once.
However, it is time to confront the concerned official or employee if I discover a
government car parked in an unexpected location once more. I shall inform the
Ombudsman of any threats made against me by the official or employee.

If I gathered evidence to prove the said anomaly, I will not be afraid to

report it for it is an unofficial use of government vehicles because I am also
paying my taxes. Misuse of these government vehicles means robbing us,
taxpayers. They derive such powers because of the public and our taxes
sustain their salaries and other benefits; therefore, they should serving as well
than serving their selves well.

CASE STUDY 10

HE DOES, I DO

What do you think? Who is right, Roy or his boss?

One of the implementing rules of CSC is the work schedule of

government officials and employees to render a total of forty (40) hours a week
unlike those in private sector who have interchangeably schedules.

Filipinos are famous for arriving later than expected, a habit known as
"Filipino Time." There could be some lost productivity as a result but we must
continue to act professionally. Additionally, professionalism means arriving at
work on time. The majority of the time being late shows how much you value
your position. Additionally, it makes your bosses think poorly of you. You
should always be aware of your time and spend it wisely. The fact that your
clients will have to wait a long time to do business with us is embarrassing.
 Roy and Mr. Sanchez each have their acceptable and unacceptable
reasons in this case. Because Mr. Sanchez is the Director of the government
bureau where Roy works, his work extends beyond office hours. He runs an
office and is accountable for everything that happens in it. He even stated that
he sometimes works on weekends without pay, which makes him stressed and
causes him to be late at work at times. In the meantime, Roy is correct in
saying that his boss should not be exempt from the policy. But he's mistaken
when he claims he's late because of the distance between his house and his
office. But he's mistaken when he claims to be late because of the distance
between his house and his office; it's unreasonable if you really value your job.
Regardless of their differences, they should both understand that time is of the
essence. No one is excused by agency policies, just as no one is excused by the
law. They must both act professionally and prioritize how they provide efficient
and effective services to the public.

Learn to take responsibility of your actions, and mistakes as learning

experiences. If you continue to take full control of yourself, you’ll be amazed by
the lessons you can carry with you for the years to come, and how those
lessons can truly help others.