Norms of Conduct of Public officials and Employees

Zyra Amethyst A. Casil

PA 105 Human Resource Management on Public Administration

Republic Act No. 6713

Section 4. Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees.

        It is good to know that there is an existing law that upholds the integrity of the government agencies being a public trust. This guides the public officials and employees because there are norms of behavior that shall strictly be observed by them in the discharge and execution of their official function and duties.

(b) Professionalism. — Public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill. They shall enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to duty. They shall endeavor to discourage wrong perceptions of their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue patronage.

• Being in the public service is a unique practice and involvement. As public servants, we are expected to be professional and to do our duties with due expertise. To be able to perform our respective responsibilities, we must always bear in mind that we serve on behalf of the government. We must always think before doing something impulsive.

I cannot forget this certain employee, who visited our quarter back during the Palarong NIR, he lit a cigarette in the area which was forbidden for must reasons and the bad part was that it happened during an inspection which resulted to fewer points in cleanliness and discipline.

(d) Political neutrality. — Public officials and employees shall provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference.         

• Let’s face it, most government officials especially those who have the power to appoint tend to change subordinates during their term. Most of the employees working under them are appointed due to trust and confidence thus making it easier for them to work with their people. Some employees also tend to choose who they deal with, checking if they are of the same color or not. It is a must that public employees must serve the general ignoring party affiliation or preference.

(h) Simple living. — Public officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.

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