PUBLIC ETHICS: A PERMANENT FEATURE OF PHILIPPINE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Christine L. Argete

An organization help its members understand the difference between right and wrong by adopting ethical codes wherein it will serve as an aid in their decision making. Values and visions are established and ways on how to achieve them as well as restrictions on behavior and compliance on rules are set out in those codes.

The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees or Republic Act No. 6713 is an act established for public officials and employees to support the historic principle of public office being a public trust, where exemplary services are rewarded by incentives, stating the prohibited acts and transactions and penalties for violations thereof and or other purposes.

But what is the role of this code? It aims to lead civil servants to the promotion of public interest that is to serve the welfare of the community above self-interest, that all persons be treated with equality, respect, and justice, personal integrity be demonstrated by observing the highest standards of conduct, and confidence and trust in public service be recognized.

As public servants, we are bound to observe the standards of this Code of Ethics, to have integrity and to follow rules and regulations in order to uphold transparency of the government and exhibit good behavior and proper decorum in every situation.

Why do we have this kind of code? Why is ethics important? Organizations need to abide by ethics or rule of law and take part in fair practices and competition; all of which will benefit the consumer, the society and organization. Working in an environment that is fair and ethical will please basic human needs. An organization that is motivated by moral values is respected by the society. Behaviors are associated towards the achievement of common goal and vision. Unfortunately, we are only reminded of the importance of ethics in public administration when laws and regulations are being violated by public servants.

Yes, it is true that increasing attention has been paid to public ethics and reinventing government at all levels like ethical people being hired into civil service and ethics being taught in professional public administration and public policy where resources, time and effort are spent by public leaders and teachers in professional programs to strengthen ethical standards and behavior.

But the question is, are these enough? Codes of ethics and leaders may help in facing these ethical dilemmas. But I think there is no best one efficient solution. Integrity, passion and the moral values of civil servants are needed to serve the public that I may envision public ethics is a permanent feature in Philippine public administration.

--oOo-

The author is Administrative Assistant III at Department of Education, Angeles

City