RA 6713 Code of Conduct Reviewer for CSE 2026 (Complete Guide Philippines)

Republic Act 6713 is one of the most consistently tested topics in the Civil Service Exam General Information section. Approximately 5 to 10 items test your knowledge of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

This deep dive reviewer covers every key provision of RA 6713 with focus on the specific sections that appear in CSE questions.

What is RA 6713?

Republic Act No. 6713 is officially titled the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees."

It was approved on February 20, 1989, during President Corazon Aquino's administration.

Purpose: To uphold the time-honored principle that public office is a public trust by establishing standards of personal conduct in the discharge and execution of official duties of public officials and employees.

Coverage of RA 6713

Who is covered? All officials and employees of the government:

• National government agencies
• Local government units
• Government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs)
• State universities and colleges
• All branches: executive, legislative, and judicial

Who is NOT covered? Public officials whose conduct is governed by separate laws (such as judges and military personnel).

Section 4: Norms of Conduct (THE 8 NORMS)

Section 4 of RA 6713 establishes eight (8) norms of conduct that every public official and employee must observe. This is the most heavily tested section.

The 8 Norms (Memorize All)

1. Commitment to public interest

Public officials must always uphold public interest over personal interest.

2. Professionalism

They must perform duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence, and skill.

3. Justness and sincerity

They must remain true to the people at all times. They must act with justness and sincerity.

4. Political neutrality

They must provide service without unfair discrimination. They must not engage in partisan political activities.

5. Responsiveness to the public

They must extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service to the public.

6. Nationalism and patriotism

They must be loyal to the Republic and the Filipino people. They must promote the use of locally produced goods, resources, and technology.

7. Commitment to democracy

They must commit to the principles of democracy and republicanism. They must observe orderly transitions in democratic processes.

8. Simple living

They must lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. Public officials must not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth.

Memory Aid

Remember the acronym: C-P-J-P-R-N-D-S (Commitment, Professionalism, Justness, Political neutrality, Responsiveness, Nationalism, Democracy, Simple living)

Section 7: Prohibited Acts and Transactions

Section 7 prohibits public officials from certain acts that conflict with their duties.

Key Prohibitions

1. Financial and material interest

Public officials shall not directly or indirectly have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring approval of their office.

2. Outside employment and other activities related thereto

Public officials shall not engage in private practice of their profession unless authorized by the Constitution or law, and provided that this does not conflict with their official functions.

3. Disclosure and/or misuse of confidential information

Public officials shall not use or divulge confidential or classified information officially known to them by reason of their office for personal gain or unwarranted advantage.

4. Solicitation or acceptance of gifts

Public officials shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary value from any person.

Exceptions (when gifts are NOT prohibited):

• Unsolicited gift of nominal or insignificant value
• Gifts from relatives within the third civil degree
• Honorarium granted by educational institutions for participating in educational/scientific activities

Section 8: Statements and Disclosure (SALN)

This section requires public officials and employees to file a Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

Who Must File a SALN?

All public officials and employees, including:

• Constitutional and elected officials and their personal staff
• Regular and special non-career service personnel
• Career executive service personnel
• Regular non-career permanent personnel of GOCCs
• All other public officers and employees

Who is Exempt from Filing?

• Those serving in honorary capacity
• Laborers
• Casual or temporary workers

When to File the SALN

Initial: Within 30 days after assumption of office or employment.

Annual: On or before April 30 of every year covering the previous calendar year.

Termination: Within 30 days after separation from service.

What the SALN Must Contain

The SALN must contain a true, detailed, and sworn declaration of:

• Assets (real and personal property)
• Liabilities (debts and obligations)
• Net worth (assets minus liabilities)
• Financial connections and business interests
• Identification of relatives in the government service within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity

Section 9: Divestment

Public officials with substantial financial or material interest that may conflict with their duties must divest themselves of such interests within 60 days from assumption of office.

Section 10: Review and Compliance Procedures

Each agency designates a Compliance Committee that:

• Reviews SALN submissions
• Investigates non-compliance
• Submits annual reports

Section 11: Penalties for Violations

Violations of RA 6713 carry the following penalties depending on severity:

Light Offenses

• Verbal reprimand
• Censure

Less Grave Offenses

• 30 days suspension
• Forfeiture of leave credits

Grave Offenses

• 6 months to 1 year suspension
• Removal from service
• Disqualification from public office
• Forfeiture of retirement benefits

Civil and criminal penalties may also apply, including:

• Fines from PHP 1,000 to PHP 5,000
• Imprisonment up to 5 years
• Both fine and imprisonment in serious cases

Section 14: Whistleblower Protection

Public officials and employees who report violations of RA 6713 are protected from retaliation. They are entitled to:

• Protection from harassment
• Job security
• Such other protective measures

Common CSE Questions on RA 6713

1. What is the title of RA 6713?

Answer: Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees

2. How many norms of conduct are established under RA 6713?

Answer: Eight (8)

3. When must the annual SALN be filed?

Answer: On or before April 30 of every year

4. Who must file a SALN?

Answer: All public officials and employees, except those serving in honorary capacity, laborers, and casual or temporary workers

5. Within what period must a public official divest conflicting interests?

Answer: 60 days from assumption of office

6. What is the principle underlying RA 6713?

Answer: Public office is a public trust

7. Are gifts from relatives within the third civil degree prohibited?

Answer: No, they are exempted

8. What is the maximum penalty for grave violations of RA 6713?

Answer: Removal from service, disqualification from public office, and forfeiture of retirement benefits, plus possible criminal penalties

Memorization Strategy for RA 6713

Master the 8 Norms first. This is the most heavily tested section. Use the C-P-J-P-R-N-D-S acronym.

Memorize the SALN deadline. April 30 is a frequently asked date.

Know the prohibited acts. Especially the gift exceptions which often appear in questions.

Understand the penalties. Grave offense penalties are severe and often tested.

Read the actual law. Download RA 6713 from the Official Gazette (officialgazette.gov.ph). Reading the actual text catches details that summaries miss.

Common Mistakes on RA 6713 Questions

Mistake 1: Confusing 8 norms with prohibited acts. The 8 norms are positive obligations (what to do). Prohibited acts are negative obligations (what NOT to do). Different sections.

Mistake 2: Wrong SALN deadline. April 30, not April 15 (which is BIR income tax deadline).

Mistake 3: Forgetting gift exceptions. Not all gifts are prohibited. Know the exceptions.

Mistake 4: Confusing civil degree. SALN requires disclosure of relatives within the fourth civil degree, while the divestment provision uses different thresholds.

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