CSC throws support for review of RA 6713

MANILA, Philippines - Any person who exposes wrongdoing or corruption by a public servant or any government entity shall be protected from retaliation and may be rewarded with part of the amount recovered in the anomaly.

This is among the salient provisions of Senate Bill 2311 filed by Sen. Grace Poe, which seeks to amend Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) supports the proposal.

CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III said a review of RA 6713, which was passed in 1989, would help make the law more responsive.

He said certain provisions of the law should be able to address current realities and government priorities.

Under the bill, a public servant who fails to correct or submit his or her statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth in accordance with the procedure and within the given period faces suspension for at least one month for the first offense. Repeat offenders will be dismissed from the service.

“A public servant is presumed to be engaged in corrupt activities or practices if he or she is living a lavish lifestyle and/or there is gross disproportion of assets to income,” the bill also stated.