Integrity, Accountability, Patriotism, and Professionalism are core values for every public servant and pillars for good governance.

Bearing this in mind, the Carlos P. Romulo School of Diplomacy of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) conducted a Seminar on Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees on 15 August 2019.

Twenty (20) personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) participated in the seminar facilitated by lecturers from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, serves as a guidepost for all civil servants.

The Code fosters consciousness of ethics, compliance, and propriety in one’s behavior and dealings as a government official or employee.

Public Office is a Public Trust

The seminar aimed to broaden the understanding of the participants on the obligations and responsibilities that come with being in government service and to emphasize the importance of the prescribed moral standards highlighted in R.A. 6713.

Atty. Jamahlin D. Lacandazo-Escalona of the CSC gave an overview of the law’s implementing rules and regulations, including provisions on prohibited acts and transactions, penalties for violations, and statements and financial disclosure of any public officials and employees. She also discussed the system of granting incentives and rewards for exemplary service.

Public Interest Over Personal Interest

Ms. Jasmin Adena-Dekit, Special Investigator IV of the CSC, presented the eight (8) norms of conduct of public servants. She focused on the importance of performing and discharging their duties and responsibilities with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, and skill.

Participants were reminded of the importance of servant leadership and strong ethics as requisites to delivering public service.

This seminar is part of the Institute’s efforts to promote a high standard of ethics in the foreign service.