Civil Service Commission Rules & Code of Ethics (RA 6713)

Civil Service Commission Rules & Code of Ethics (RA 6713)

1. Overview of Republic Act 6713

Enacted on February 20, 1989, Republic Act No. 6713, entitled the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees", establishes the moral and ethical framework governing all government personnel in the Philippines. As public servants entrusted with public safety and enforcement powers, BFP uniformed and non-uniformed personnel are held to high standards of integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior.

Section 2 of RA 6713 states the core policy: "It is the policy of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in public service. Public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest."

---

2. The Eight Norms of Conduct (Section 4, RA 6713)

Section 4 of RA 6713 mandates that every public official and employee observe eight specific norms of conduct in the execution of their official duties:

---

3. Prohibited Acts and Transactions (Section 7, RA 6713)

To prevent corruption and conflicts of interest, Section 7 of RA 6713 explicitly prohibits public servants from engaging in specific activities:

1. Financial and Material Interest: Public officials shall not directly or indirectly have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their office. (Example: A Fire Safety Inspector owning a business that sells fire extinguishers to establishments they inspect).
2. Outside Employment & Private Practice: Public officials shall not engage in the private practice of their profession or own/manage a private business unless authorized in writing by the agency head, provided it does not conflict with official duties.
3. Acceptance and Solicitation 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 in the course of official duties or from anyone doing business with their office.
4. Disclosure or Misuse of Confidential Information: Public officials shall not use or divulge confidential or privileged information acquired by reason of their office to further private interests.

---

4. Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN)

Section 8 of RA 6713 mandates that all public officials and employees file under oath a Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

Key Rules Governing SALN Filing:

• Filing Deadlines:
  • Within thirty (30) days after assumption of office (Entry SALN);
  • On or before April 30 of every year thereafter (Annual SALN covering the preceding calendar year);
  • Within thirty (30) days after separation from service (Exit SALN).
• Mandatory Contents:
  • Real property (location, acquisition cost, fair market value);
  • Personal property (vehicles, savings, investments, jewelry);
  • All financial liabilities and outstanding debts;
  • Business interests and financial connections of the employee, spouse, and unmarried children under eighteen (18) years of age living in the household.
• Public Disclosure: SALNs are public documents accessible for inspection subject to lawful procedures. Non-filing or false declaration in the SALN constitutes a Grave Offense punishable by dismissal from service and criminal prosecution under RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

---

5. BFP Operational SOPs & Leave Benefits

In addition to ethical laws, BFP personnel must adhere to operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Civil Service Commission leave regulations:

• Turnout & Response SOPs: BFP fire stations maintain strict turnout time standards (typically 7 minutes or less from receipt of alarm to engine departure) and observe standard shift rotations (24-hour duty / 24-hour off).
• Uniform Regulations: Mandatory adherence to prescribed BFP Uniform Types:
  • Type A: Full Dress Uniform (Ceremonial/Formal events);
  • Type B: Service Uniform (Daily office/inspection duty);
  • Type C: Operational / Duty Uniform (Station duty and response);
  • Type D: Tactical / Firefighting Bunker Gear (PPE for active fireground operations).
• Civil Service Leave Entitlements:
  • Vacation & Sick Leave: Accrual of 1.25 days vacation leave and 1.25 days sick leave per month of satisfactory service (15 days each annually).
  • Rehabilitation Leave: Up to six (6) months of fully paid leave for uniformed personnel who sustain injuries or wounds directly in the line of duty (e.g., burn injuries or structural collapse trauma during fire suppression).
  • Special Leave Benefits for Women (RA 9710): Up to two (2) months paid leave for gynecological surgeries.