CRIM 104 Professional Conduct & Ethical Standard
Assignment No. 1
1. Explain the significance of Republic Act 6713 in promoting good
governance and ethical conduct in the Philippine public service.
Republic Act 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical
Standards for Public Officials and Employees, is very much important in
terms of good governance and ethical standards in public service in the
Philippines. This act guides public officials on how to conduct
themselves with integrity and in a transparent and accountable
manner so as to promote such values and principles that could support
sound decision-making. It calls, for instance, for all public officers to
declare under oath their assets, liabilities, and net worth as one step
towards preventing corruption and arousing trust in the government
and vice-versa. Republic Act 6713 dictates standards for guiding
behavior that persuades persons in public service to act in a manner in
harmony with accepted standards of conduct and, at the same time, it
carves a culture of integrity that can potentially influence actions in the
future.
2. Discuss the key principles and provisions of Republic Act 6713 and
their implications for public officials and employees.
Republic Act 6713 embodies some of the basic principles and
provisions to establish a code of conduct and set the standard of
behavior that shall promote accountability among public officials and
employees. Guiding principles include maintaining the highest public
trust through the use of public office for public interest and not for
personal gain, and encouraging transparency in government
transactions to promote accountability. The law provides that officials
must declare their assets, liabilities, and net worth, which is a tool for
accountability. It also bars conflicts of interest by public officials and
imposes standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of
duties. These provisions do have some important implications, as they
set a base for expected conduct that may contribute to increased
confidence and reduced corruption in government.
3. Analyze the effectiveness of Republic Act 6713 in addressing
corruption and promoting transparency in the Philippine government.
Republic Act 6713 has been effective in bringing corruption to the fore
and creating transparency through the line of ethical standards among
public officers. Forcing the disclosures of assets, liabilities, and net
worth will enable the people to hold the officials responsible for their
financial transactions. However, its effectiveness is usually diminished
by inadequate mechanisms for enforcement in addition to poor public
awareness of the provisions of the law. While it has laid a basic
framework for the ethical foundation of governance, the larger
challenge remains compliance and embedding the culture of integrity
in the service. In summary, Republic Act 6713 adds to the efforts
toward curbing corruption, but its actual effects would depend on
effective implementation and consistent public engagement.
Note: Place your assignment in A4 size coupon bond and should be in
handwriting.
