Ethics, Justice, Good Governance, and Professional Responsibility

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering professional ethics, good governance, justice, equity, anti-corruption laws, and institutional accountability from the University of Batangas lecture series.

How is corruption defined?

The misuse of entrusted power or position for private benefit.

What are three primary warning signs that distinguish corruption from an honest mistake?

Deliberate dishonesty, improper advantage, and concealment.

How is integrity defined in the context of good governance?

Doing what is right even when no one is watching, marked by honesty, consistency, and putting duty before personal gain.

What constitutes good governance?

Using authority and public resources lawfully, fairly, effectively, and in the public interest.

What two overarching pillars form the foundation of public trust in government?

Intent and Competence.

According to this framework, what two elements constitute the "Intent" pillar of public trust in government?

Humanity (consideration of citizens' and government officials' well-being) and Transparency (sharing information and open budgets).

In the public trust framework, what two elements comprise the "Competence" pillar?

Capacity (training and upskilling officials) and Reliability (delivering the promises).

What three core directives of public service integrity are shown in this diagram?

Serve with honesty, reject corruption, and lead with compassion.

What does the term "palakasan" mean?

Using personal connections or influence to obtain an advantage.

How is favoritism defined, and what is its primary ethical danger?

Favoritism occurs when someone receives preferential treatment unrelated to merit or legitimate need, replacing equal opportunity with personal loyalty.

What is nepotism?

Giving relatives preferential access to jobs, contracts, or benefits because of the relationship.

Does a familial relationship between an official and an applicant automatically prove wrongdoing?

No; the ethical concern arises from unfair advantage, improper influence, or the violation of applicable rules.

What better practices prevent nepotism in hiring and procurement?

Published qualifications, objective scoring, disclosure of relationships, and independent review.

What corrupt practice is depicted here involving an improper benefit to influence an official action?

Bribery (offering, giving, requesting, or receiving an improper benefit to influence a decision or action).

What three actions constitute an ethical response when encountering a bribery attempt?

Refuse the arrangement, preserve relevant evidence safely, and use appropriate reporting channels.

What illicit electoral practice is depicted in this cartoon?

Vote-buying, where candidates offer money or gifts to exert improper influence over voters and local leaders.

Why do gifts and favors carry an ethical risk even when no explicit deal is discussed?

They create pressure to return a favor, especially when received from someone seeking a permit, contract, grade, decision, or special access.

What two questions should a professional ask before accepting a gift or favor?

"Would I accept this if the public knew?" and "Could it influence—or appear to influence—my judgment?"

How is a conflict of interest defined in public administration?

A situation arising when private interests could improperly influence—or appear to influence—official judgment.

Is an identified conflict of interest automatic proof of corruption?

No; it is an ethical risk to manage through disclosure, recusal, documentation, and independent review.

What is abuse of authority?

Using an official role or power for an improper purpose, such as personal revenge, privilege, or coercion.

What are two examples of abuse of authority cited in the lecture?

Threatening staff for refusing a personal request, using public vehicles for private business, or retaliating against a critic.

What are the three major domains harmed by corruption according to the lecture?

People (loss of equal access and dignity), Public Resources (wasted money and weakened safety), and Institutions (erosion of citizen trust in fairness).

How is transparency defined, and what limits apply to it?

Making relevant processes, criteria, decisions, and resource use open to scrutiny; it is bounded by legitimate privacy, confidentiality, and lawful restrictions.

What does accountability mean in institutional governance?

Being answerable for decisions and actions and accepting appropriate consequences through clear responsibilities, documentation, oversight, and corrective action.

What core principle must guide public servants when private interests and community welfare conflict?

The public interest must come before private interest.

What are the six steps of the Ethical Decision-Making Check displayed in this framework?

1. Facts, 2. Stakeholders, 3. Fairness & Rights, 4. Public Interest, 5. Transparency, 6. Accountability.

What specific questions are asked during Step 1 (Facts) and Step 2 (Stakeholders) of the Ethical Decision-Making Check?

Facts: "What happened? What evidence is reliable?" Stakeholders: "Who benefits, who is harmed, and who is excluded?"

What specific questions are asked during Step 3 (Fairness & Rights) and Step 4 (Public Interest) of the Ethical Decision-Making Check?

Fairness & Rights: "Are rules applied consistently? Are rights respected?" Public Interest: "Does this serve the community or private advantage?"

What specific questions are asked during Step 5 (Transparency) and Step 6 (Accountability) of the Ethical Decision-Making Check?

Transparency: "Can the decision be explained and documented?" Accountability: "Who is responsible, and how can harm be corrected?"

How does corruption compromise the ethical dimension of "Justice and Fairness"?

Benefits are granted due to connections, money, or influence rather than merit or legitimate qualifications.

How does corruption compromise the ethical dimension of "Honesty and Integrity"?

Individuals deceive others, conceal information, or abandon moral principles for personal gain (e.g., falsifying a report to hide misspent funds).

How does corruption violate the ethical dimension of "Public Interest and the Common Good"?

It prioritizes personal or private interests over the welfare of the broader community.

How does corruption compromise the ethical dimension of "Power and Duty"?

Entrusted authority is used for improper purposes instead of fulfilling assigned duties (e.g., coercing staff to do personal favors).

How does corruption undermine the ethical dimension of "Accountability and Transparency"?

It destroys the obligation to explain decisions, disclose relevant facts, maintain accurate records, and accept responsibility.

How does corruption affect the ethical dimension of "Harm and Public Trust"?

It deprives people of essential public services, wastes collective resources, and weakens confidence in public institutions.

What everyday integrity practices help prevent corrupt institutional cultures?

Rejecting the "everyone does it" rationalization, using objective criteria, disclosing conflicts, following rules, and keeping accurate records.

What three core behavioral principles are highlighted in this good governance summary?

Be Fair (merit over connections, rules over favoritism), Be Open (explain decisions, keep records), and Be Accountable (own decisions, correct wrongdoing).

What is Philippine Republic Act No. 6713?

The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (1989).

What is Philippine Republic Act No. 3019?

The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (1960).

What is Philippine Republic Act No. 11032?

The Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act (2018).

What core ethical reminder applies to digital citizenship in public and professional life?

Truth matters (verify before sharing), privacy matters (access is not consent), dignity matters, and every online action creates a permanent footprint.

According to this lecture slide, how is "Justice" defined?

Giving people what they are due, protecting rights, and addressing unfair treatment.

How is "Fairness" defined in the lecture?

Making decisions impartially, using relevant criteria, and treating people with respect.

How is "Equality" defined in the lecture?

Providing equal rights, status, or opportunities under fair rules.

How is "Equity" defined in the lecture?

Recognizing different barriers and providing appropriate support so people can access opportunities.

What is the key distinction between treating people equally and treating them fairly?

Equal treatment provides everyone the exact same provision regardless of need, whereas fairness and equity adjust support to overcome specific barriers.

What five criteria can communities and institutions use to decide what is fair?

Equal treatment, Need, Merit or contribution, Rights, and Fair process.

What does the criterion of "Need" prioritize when allocating scarce resources?

Urgent or essential survival and developmental needs over discretionary requests.

What does the criterion of "Merit or contribution" recognize in decision-making?

Effort, achievement, or relevant professional and academic qualifications.

What does the criterion of "Fair process" require when administering rules?

Transparent criteria, an opportunity for questions or appeals, and avoidance of favoritism.

What socio-economic concept is depicted here where resources, opportunities, and power are unevenly distributed?

Social inequality.

What underlying factors shape social inequality in society?

Income, geography, disability, discrimination, family circumstances, and unequal access to quality services.

Why do unequal outcomes not always prove that an underlying process was unfair?

Because outcomes can reflect legitimate differences; one must examine causes, barriers, rules, and available choices.

What is the primary ethical question when analyzing social inequality?

"Are people facing avoidable barriers to participation and a dignified life?"

Why does the lecture stress "dignity, not blame" in responding to poverty?

Poverty is an outcome of circumstances and structural barriers, not a personal character flaw.

How does financial hardship undermine basic human well-being?

By restricting access to nutritious food, safe housing, clean water, transport, and healthcare.

How does poverty restrict opportunity in education and personal development?

It limits available study time, school supplies, internet access, and career choices.

What social issue is represented by the child seated on a locked book marked "ABC"?

Barriers to educational access and the exclusion of vulnerable children from foundational learning.

What barriers commonly obstruct fair access to education?

School costs, geographical distance, disability access, language barriers, safety concerns, caregiving duties, and digital exclusion.

What institutional interventions promote fair educational access?

Scholarships, accessible physical facilities, targeted learning support, safe environments, and flexible delivery modalities.

What vital area of public welfare is represented in this collage?

Healthcare Access (including clinical services, insurance, telemedicine, and elderly care).

What barriers frequently limit access to essential health services?

Cost, distance, prolonged waiting times, lack of clear information, and physically inaccessible facilities.

What rule governs ethical emergency triage in a fair healthcare system?

Triage must follow clinical urgency and established medical protocols rather than personal status, wealth, or connections.

How are "Rights" defined in the lecture?

Claims and protections people are entitled to enjoy, such as dignity, equal protection, lawful education, and access to fair procedures.

How are "Responsibilities" defined in the lecture?

Duties to respect other people's rights, follow fair rules, use shared resources responsibly, participate constructively, and avoid causing harm.

What criteria may communities use when distributing limited resources like aid or budgets?

Equal shares, urgency of need, expected benefit, fair opportunity, or transparent eligibility rules.

Why is there no single distribution formula that fits every resource allocation scenario?

Criteria must match the specific purpose of the allocation and respect underlying human rights.

How does justice support the common good in a society?

By enabling wider civic participation, directing resources toward urgent needs, and preventing the exclusion of vulnerable groups.

What are the six steps in the "Ethical Check for Fair Decisions" from Week 12?

1. Define the issue, 2. Identify barriers, 3. Set fair criteria, 4. Weigh impacts, 5. Protect rights, 6. Review & explain.

Why would dividing 20 data allowances equally among 40 students be unfair compared to a need-based system?

Because students facing severe barriers (no home Wi-Fi, shared phones) would remain excluded, while students with stable home internet would receive unneeded support.

How does the Theory of Justice apply to allocating university financial aid?

It establishes transparent criteria considering financial barriers so disadvantaged students are not excluded due to lack of resources.

How is the "Common Good" defined?

Making decisions and taking actions that promote the well-being of everyone in the community, rather than benefiting only one person or a small group.

Name three daily practices through which students can support the common good.

Keeping classrooms clean, respecting shared campus facilities, participating in community service, and following rules.

What international declaration adopted in 1948 serves as a global standard for human rights?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

What United Nations agenda launched in 2015 addresses global inequalities and sustainable development?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

What is Philippine Republic Act No. 10931?

The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (2017).

What is Philippine Republic Act No. 11223?

The Universal Health Care Act (2019).

Why does professional ethics matter in modern society?

Professionals exercise specialized knowledge, discretion, and influence that directly affect safety, dignity, rights, opportunities, and public resources.

Why is technical competence alone insufficient for professional practice?

Technical competence is not enough without integrity and accountability; professional trust requires both competent work and responsible conduct.

What core duties define Professional Responsibility?

Acting within role authority, following laws and standards, documenting actions, accepting accountability, and correcting errors promptly.

What four elements constitute professional competence according to the lecture?

Current knowledge, practical skill, sound judgment, and self-awareness.

What four methods do professionals use to maintain competence and manage practice limits?

Continuing education, consultation, supervision, and referral.

Why is knowing when to seek consultation or make a referral considered a mark of competence rather than weakness?

Because it demonstrates self-awareness of professional boundaries and protects clients when cases exceed one's expertise or resources.

When should a professional pause before making a critical professional decision?

When fatigue, personal bias, or external pressure could impair objective professional judgment.

What basic standard governs professional confidentiality?

Collecting and sharing only information that is necessary for a legitimate purpose using secure systems.

Under what circumstances is the disclosure of confidential professional information permitted or required?

When required or justified by applicable law, safety emergencies, client consent, or formal legal procedures.

What four questions make up the "Ask Before Sharing" confidentiality test?

1. Do I have consent or a valid basis? 2. Is the recipient authorized? 3. Is disclosure necessary and proportionate? 4. Have I followed policy and law?

What are three classifications of conflicts of interest that can damage professional trust?

Actual, potential, and perceived conflicts of interest.

What is the ultimate organizational goal of managing conflicts of interest?

Not only to be fair, but to make fairness visible and verifiable.

What are the five steps of the Practical Sequence for ethical decision-making in professional practice?

1. Define the dilemma, 2. Identify stakeholders, 3. Check duties, 4. Compare options, 5. Decide and document.

What is "The Publicity Test" in professional decision-making?

"Would I be prepared to explain this decision honestly to the people affected, an independent reviewer, or the public? If not, reconsider."

How does an ethical leader handle workplace dissent and mistakes?

They invite dissent, protect respectful disagreement, distribute credit fairly, and accept personal responsibility when things go wrong.

How is the misuse of power defined in organizations?

Using authority for personal gain, retaliation, coercion, favoritism, or silencing others.

What are five organizational warning signs of misuse of power?

Secrecy, fear of speaking up, inconsistent rules, unexplained exceptions, and retaliation against critics.

What is whistleblowing, and what must good-faith reporting focus on?

Reporting suspected serious wrongdoing through appropriate channels; it must focus on observable facts, credible concerns, and relevant evidence.

What essential institutional safeguards must protect whistleblowers?

Confidentiality, anti-retaliation protections, impartial investigations, and due process.

What is the key takeaway regarding an organization's handling of whistleblowing reports?

Speaking up should trigger fair review—not automatic blame or automatic belief.

How is "moral courage" defined, and why must it be paired with sound judgment?

Acting on ethical conviction despite fear, pressure, or cost; it must pair with judgment to verify facts, act proportionately, and avoid unnecessary harm.

What five policies turn organizational values into practical institutional standards?

1. Code of conduct, 2. Conflict-of-interest policy, 3. Confidentiality and data protection, 4. Competence and supervision, 5. Reporting and investigation.