RA 6713 Explained: The Eight Norms of Conduct with Real Office Examples

Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, is named in the official scope of both levels of the Civil Service Exam. It was approved on 20 February 1989, and it describes how every government official and employee is expected to behave. Exam questions usually test it in two ways: by naming a norm and asking what it means, or by describing a situation and asking which norm it shows.

This guide explains each part of the law in plain language, with examples from everyday government work.

Why the law exists

RA 6713 puts into practice the constitutional principle that public office is a public trust (Article XI, Section 1). Public servants hold power on behalf of the people, so the law sets standards higher than those expected in private life.

The eight norms of conduct (Section 4)

Learn these by name. A useful memory line is the order in which the law lists them.

1. Commitment to public interest. Public interest comes before personal interest. Public resources must be used efficiently, effectively, honestly and economically, without wasting public funds. Example: an employee uses the office vehicle only for official trips, not for personal errands.

2. Professionalism. Duties are performed with the highest degree of excellence, intelligence and skill. Officials should not present themselves as dispensers of personal favours. Example: a clerk processes every request according to procedure instead of “helping” friends jump the queue.

3. Justness and sincerity. Officials remain true to the people, act with justness and sincerity, and do not discriminate, especially against the poor and underprivileged. They must not extend undue favours to relatives because of their office, except for appointments to confidential positions or personal staff whose terms end with theirs. Example: a supervisor treats a well-dressed client and a poor farmer with the same courtesy.

4. Political neutrality. Service is given to everyone without unfair discrimination, regardless of party affiliation or preference. Example: a municipal employee serves supporters of every candidate equally during election season.

5. Responsiveness to the public. Officials extend prompt, courteous and adequate service, explain policies and procedures in clear and understandable language, and encourage suggestions. Example: a front-desk employee explains the requirements for a permit in simple terms and gives a checklist.

6. Nationalism and patriotism. Officials are loyal to the Republic and the Filipino people, promote the use of locally produced goods, resources and technology, and encourage pride in the country. Example: an office chooses quality local suppliers when they meet procurement rules.

7. Commitment to democracy. Officials commit to the democratic way of life and values, uphold public accountability, and maintain the principle that civilian authority is supreme over the military. Example: an official welcomes public scrutiny of decisions instead of hiding them.

8. Simple living. Officials and their families lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income, and avoid extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth. Example: an official avoids lavish parties funded beyond what their salary could support.

Exam tip: when a question describes behaviour, look for the key idea. “Regardless of party” points to political neutrality; “modest lifestyle” points to simple living; “highest degree of excellence” points to professionalism.

Key duties (Section 5)

Section 5 turns the norms into concrete duties. The most tested one is the deadline for responding to the public: officials must respond to letters, telegrams and other communications within fifteen (15) working days from receipt, stating the action taken. The section also requires that public documents be accessible to the public within reasonable working hours.

Prohibited acts (Section 7)

Section 7 lists acts that are prohibited in addition to those under other laws. Among them:

• having a financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of one’s office;
• owning, controlling or working for a private business that the official’s office supervises or licenses, and recommending people to such businesses;
• using or divulging confidential information to further private interests;
• soliciting or accepting any gift, gratuity, favour, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value in the course of official duties or in connection with any transaction affected by the office.

Some of these prohibitions continue for one year after resignation, retirement or separation from public office, so an official cannot leave and immediately work for a business they used to regulate.

The SALN (Section 8)

Every official and employee must file a sworn Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, together with a disclosure of business interests and financial connections and the names of relatives in government. It must be filed:

• within 30 days after assuming office;
• on or before 30 April of every year after that; and
• within 30 days after leaving the service.

Those serving in an honorary capacity, laborers, and casual or temporary workers are exempt. The law defines the “family” of officials as their spouses and unmarried children under 18 years of age.

Divestment (Section 9)

An official with a conflict of interest must resign from a private business within 30 days of assuming office and divest shareholdings within 60 days.

Penalties (Section 11)

• In administrative cases: a fine not exceeding six months’ salary, or suspension of not more than one year, or removal, depending on the gravity of the offence.
• For violations of Sections 7, 8 or 9: imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding ₱5,000, or both.

The Civil Service Commission has the primary responsibility for administering and enforcing the law (Section 12).

How to remember the deadlines

Group the numbers:

• 15 working days to respond to the public;
• 30 days to file a SALN after assuming or leaving office, and 30 days to resign from a private business;
• 60 days to divest shareholdings;
• 1 year for post-employment prohibitions;
• 30 April for the annual SALN.

Then test yourself with our RA 6713 question set. If a question still confuses you, go back to the norm it describes and ask what behaviour the law wants to encourage. That is usually the key to the answer.