Amending R.A. No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees)

Senate Office of the ericarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 26 JAN 26 P2:53 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1688 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6713, ALSO KNOWN AS AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES TO UPHOLD THE TIME-HONORED PRINCIPLE OF PUBLIC OFFICE BEING A PUBLIC TRUST, GRANTING INCENTIVES AND REWARDS FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE, ENUMERATING PROHIBITED ACTS AND TRANSACTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF EXPLANATORY NOTE Over recent years, there has been a troubling increase in complaints from marginalized communities regarding their treatment by government personnel. Reports of condescension, humiliation, and inadequate assistance have emerged, fostering an environment of fear and mistrust that undermines the principles of public service. A survey by the Development Academy of the Philippines revealed a sharp decline in citizen satisfaction with government services, from 86.93 in 2018 to 70.14 in 2020. This underscores the urgent need for reform in government service behavior and attitudes. The findings show that local government units scored the lowest in satisfaction, especially during the pandemic. The survey's results indicate various opportunities for enhancing frontline government services. Specifically, the findings pinpoint agencies that require significant improvement, particularly in the social, welfare, and health sectors, as well as local governments. Additionally, the survey highlights the need for diverse modes of communication, with multiple contact methods receiving the lowest ratings. Conversely, online methods, such as websites, apps, emails, and social media, achieved higher

satisfaction ratings, indicating that these channels should be maintained and further developed. Declining citizen satisfaction correlates directly with a reduction in public trust and increased costs associated with ineffective government service delivery. Conversely, improving citizens' satisfaction through streamlined, efficient services can enhance their willingness to comply with government requirements and strengthen their trust in public institutions. This act proposes the installation of CCTV cameras in government offices and the establishment of public service hotlines for reporting misconduct, aiming to promote transparency and improve accountability in public service. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. RAFFY T. TULFO

Senate Office of the focartarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE JAN 26 P2:53 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No._- 1688 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6713, ALSO KNOWN AS AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES TO UPHOLD THE TIME-HONORED PRINCIPLE OF PUBLIC OFFICE BEING A PUBLIC TRUST, GRANTING INCENTIVES AND REWARDS FOR EXEMPLARY ENUMERATING PROHIBITED ACTS AND SERVICE, TRANSACTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. A new Section 5-A shall be inserted in Republic Act No. 6713 otherwise

2 known as "An Act Establishing a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials 3 and Employees to Uphold the Time-Honored Principle of Public Office Being a Public Trust, Granting Incentives and Rewards for Exemplary Service, Enumerating Prohibited Acts and 5 Transactions and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof", to read as follows: "SECTION 5-A. CCTV INSTALLATION AT TRANSACTION COUNTERS. - A. CCTV INSTALLATION REQUIREMENT. - ALL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND AGENCIES MUST INSTALL CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV) CAMERAS AT THEIR SERVICE COUNTERS AND PUBLIC AREAS. THIS IS TO: 1. IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS; 2. PREVENT AND RECORD CORRUPT OR UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR; 3. ENSURE THE SAFETY OF BOTH OFFICIALS AND CITIZENS.

B. ACCESS AND PRIVACY. - ONLY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL CAN ACCESS RECORDED FOOTAGE, WHICH CAN ONLY BE USED FOR OFFICIAL INVESTIGATIONS INTO MISCONDUCT. THIS FOOTAGE MUST BE HANDLED ACCORDING TO DATA PRIVACY LAWS TO PROTECT INDIVIDUALS' RIGHTS. C. ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENT. - EACH OFFICE OR AGENCY MUST SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION DETAILING THE STATUS OF THEIR CCTV SYSTEMS, MAINTENANCE, AND ANY MISCONDUCT ISSUES REPORTED."

Section 2. A new Section 5-B shall be inserted in Republic Act No. 6713 other

12 known as "An Act Establishing a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees to Uphold the Time-Honored Principle of Public Office Being a Public Trust, Granting Incentives and Rewards for Exemplary Service, Enumerating Prohibited Acts and 15 Transactions and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof", ", to read as follows: "SECTION 5-B. PUBLIC SERVICE HOTLINE FOR REPORTING MISCONDUCT. a. HOTLINE SETUP. - ALL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND AGENCIES MUST HAVE CLEAR AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE HOTLINES (BY PHONE, SMS, OR ONLINE) FOR THE PUBLIC AND EMPLOYEES TO REPORT UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR, MISCONDUCT, OR VIOLATIONS CONFIDENTIALLY. b. CONFIDENTIALITY AND ANONYMITY. - THESE HOTLINES WILL KEEP REPORTS CONFIDENTIAL AND PROTECT THE IDENTITIES OF THOSE REPORTING. REPORTS WILL BE SENT TO THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES FOR INVESTIGATION."

Sec. 2. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or

unconstitutional, the remainder of the law of the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,

letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

Sec. 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

5 publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,