PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
Teach police personnel laws and ethics, so that they will not commit
the sin of torturing the innocent and preparing fake reports.
-Dr. Jayant Athavale
PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about life,
knowledge, reality, and existence.
It's about thinking deeply and critically about why things are the
way they are and exploring ideas about how we should live and
understand the world around us.
Philosophy came from the Greek Words “Philo” which means love,
and “Sophia” which means wisdom.
PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is the love of wisdom and the search for truth.
It’s thinking carefully about big questions in life.
It’s the study of knowledge, values, and how we should live.
Example: Asking, “What is the meaning of life?” or “How do we
know something is true?” is doing philosophy.
How did Philosophy came about?
Philosophy began as a way for early humans to make sense of the
world around them.
In ancient times, people wondered about fundamental questions like
"What is the nature of reality?"
"What is the meaning of life?" and "How should we live?" These
questions led to the development of philosophy.
Brief history: Around 600 BCE in Ancient Greece, thinkers like
Thales, Pythagoras, and Socrates started asking: What is the
universe made of? What is a good life? How can we know the truth?
Similar ideas also developed in Ancient India (Hindu and Buddhist
philosophy) and Ancient China (Confucianism, Taoism).
Over time, philosophy became the foundation for many subjects we
now call science, politics, ethics, and logic.
“Philosophy came about when people began seeking wisdom
through thinking and reasoning instead of only relying on
stories, tradition, or superstition.’’
WHAT IS ETHICS?
Ethics is defined as “the science of the morality of human acts and
rational human behavior”
It is the capacity to determine right conduct and the knowledge of
what is right from wrong
It is a particular system of principles and rules concerning duty
Ethics is also called morality, or moral philosophy is the discipline
that is concerned with what is morally good and bad, right and
wrong.
It is based on well-founded standards of right and wrong that
prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights,
obligations, benefit to society, fairness, or specific virtues.
A system of rules and practice applied to a single class of human
actions.
Concerned with a rational examination of principles and rules that
guide appropriate moral conduct.
The study and philosophy of human conduct, with emphasis on the
determination of right and wrong.
Also known as the standard of character set up by any race or
nation.
WHAT IS MORALITY?
Is the set of principles or rules that help people decide what is right
and wrong, good and bad, and fair or unfair in human behavior.
It’s knowing the difference between right and wrong and choosing to
do what’s right.
Is like an invisible guide that tells us how we should act toward
others and in life.
It comes from values (like honesty or kindness), beliefs (what we
think is right), and norms (rules of society).
Morality is about what is good and how we should act to make the
world and our relationships better.
It can come from different sources. (Religion, culture, laws,
philosophy, or personal experiences).
Morals
Pertaining to character and behavior from the point of view of right
and wrong
The judgment we make relating to societal principles of right and
wrong behavior.
Are the personal beliefs, principles, and values that guide an
individual’s understanding of what is right and wrong.
They are shaped by factors like upbringing, culture, religion,
experiences, and personal reflection, and they influence how a
person behaves and makes decisions.
Example: If someone believes lying is wrong, they avoid doing it
even when it might benefit them—that’s following their morals.
Morality vs Morals
Aspect Morality Morals
Definiti A system or framework of principles An individual’s personal
Aspect Morality Morals
about right and wrong, often shared beliefs or values about
on
by a society or group. right and wrong.
Personal and specific to an
Scope Broad, collective, and general.
individual.
Shaped by upbringing,
Derived from culture, religion,
Source experiences, and personal
philosophy, or societal norms.
reflection.
My morals prevent me from
Exampl
A society’s morality condemns theft. lying, even for personal
e
gain.
MORAL DISTINCTIONS
Moral- good, right, in line with norms of society
Immoral- bad, wrong, against norms of society
Amoral- neither good nor bad, neutral
Ethics vs Morals
Aspect Morality Ethics
Meani Personal beliefs about right and Rules or principles set by a
ng wrong. group, profession, or society.
Comes from culture, religion, Comes from formal systems,
Source
upbringing, or personal values. codes of conduct, or philosophy.
What you believe is right or What a group agrees is right or
Focus
wrong. wrong.
Examp You think lying is always wrong Your profession has a rule
le because of your personal values. against falsifying reports.
Ethics and morals relate to “right” and “wrong” conduct. While they
are sometimes used interchangeably, they are different:
o Morals = personal rules about right and wrong.
o Ethics = deciding what’s right and wrong using rules and
reasoning.
What is standard behavior?
Means the usual or accepted way of acting that people are expected
to follow in a group, workplace, or society.
It’s like the “normal” or “proper” behavior based on rules, laws, or
customs.
The consistent way people are supposed to act to maintain order
and harmony.
A set of actions that reflect good manners, discipline, and respect
for others.
Actions or conduct that meet the rules or expectations of a group or
society.
Is the expected or accepted way of acting in a given role,
profession, or society, based on established rules, norms, or codes.
EXAMPLE OF standard behavior
Professional Settings (e.g., Law Enforcement / Public Service)
o Respecting confidentiality – Not disclosing investigation details
to unauthorized people.
o Being punctual – Arriving at work or assignments on time.
o Maintaining neutrality – Treating all citizens equally regardless
of their status or background.
School or Academic Settings
o Submitting work on time – Meeting deadlines for assignments.
o Participating respectfully – Listening without interrupting
others in class discussions.
o Following dress codes – Wearing proper uniforms as required.
What is VALUES?
A qualitatively determined behavior which has a normative
obligatory character and presupposes the liberty of possible
decision.
“A value is a type of behavior or attitude that is considered
important and right (normative), something people feel they
should follow (obligatory), but it still depends on their
freedom to choose (liberty of decision).”
A principle or quality that is intrinsically desirable.
These are the priorities that an individual gives to the elements in
his life and career based on his ethics, morality and integrity.
Ethics vs Values
Aspect Ethics Values
Meani Rules or principles that guide Beliefs about what is important
ng what is right and wrong. and worth striving for.
Focus Deciding the right action. Deciding what is important.
Philosophy, professional codes, Culture, upbringing, personal
Source
reasoning. experience.
Examp A doctor follows medical ethics The doctor values compassion
le to save a life. and honesty.
Ethics = rules for doing right.
Values = what you care about most.
What is social norms?
Unwritten rules or expectations about how people should behave in
a group or society.
Shared guidelines that define what is considered acceptable or
unacceptable behavior.
Learned through interaction with family, peers, and the community.
Help maintain order, harmony, and predictability in social life.
Can vary across cultures, communities, and situations.
Often enforced through social approval (praise) or disapproval
(criticism).
EXAMPLE OF social norms?
Shaking hands when meeting someone for the first time.
Saying “excuse me” when passing in front of someone.
Speaking quietly in a library.
Standing in line and waiting your turn.
Standards in law enforcement activities in the Philippine setting
Legality
o All actions must conform to the 1987 Philippine Constitution,
the Revised Penal Code, and special laws.
o Police officers must enforce the law without going beyond
their legal authority.
Service to the People
o Law enforcement is a public service dedicated to peace and
order, protection of life, liberty, and property.
o The PNP motto “To Serve and Protect” reflects this.
Respect for Human Rights
o Based on RA 7438 (Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained, and
Under Custodial Investigation) and international human rights
standards.
o Prohibits torture, illegal detention, discrimination, or cruel
treatment.
Integrity and Accountability
o As mandated by the PNP Ethical Doctrine Manual and RA 8551
(PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998).
o Officers must avoid corruption, abuse of power, and
[Link] must be accountable for every action and
decision taken.
Proper Use of Force
o Guided by the PNP Operational Procedures Manual and the UN
Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms.
o Force should be reasonable, proportional, and necessary—
firearms are used only to protect life.
Impartiality and Fairness
o Uphold equal enforcement of laws regardless of social status,
gender, religion, or political affiliation.
o Avoid favoritism, bias, or discrimination.
Competence and Efficiency
o Continuous training and professional development are
required.
o Officers should always act with discipline, timeliness, and
effectiveness.📌
Confidentiality
o Sensitive information, such as case details, victims’ identities,
and intelligence reports, must be handled properly.