Ethics in Public Administration and Governance

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and concepts discussed in the lecture regarding Ethics in Public Administration and Governance.

Ethics

The study of moral principles that govern a person's behavior or conduct, especially in the context of public service.

Ethics in Public Administration

• Application of moral principles and values in the management of public affairs.

• It ensures that government officials and employees act in ways that are fair, accountable, and in the public interest.

RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards) 

Section 2. Declaration of Policies.

• 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 and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest.

(a) Commitment to Public Interest

Always uphold public interest over personal interest. Use government resources efficiently, effectively, honestly, and economically to avoid wastage.

(b) Professionalism

Perform duties with excellence, professionalism, intelligence, and skill. Enter public service with devotion to duty and discourage wrong perceptions of patronage.

© Justness and Sincerity

Remain true to the people. Act with justness and sincerity without discrimination. Respect others’ rights and avoid acts against law, morals, customs, public policy, order, safety, and interest. Do not give undue favors to relatives, except for confidential or coterminous positions.

(d) Political Neutrality

Provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination, regardless of party affiliation or preference.

(e) Responsiveness to the Public

Give prompt, courteous, and adequate service. Provide clear information on policies, ensure openness, encourage suggestions, simplify procedures, avoid red tape, and understand socio-economic conditions, especially in depressed areas.

(f) Nationalism and Patriotism

Be loyal to the Republic and the Filipino people. Promote local goods, resources, and technology, and defend Philippine sovereignty from foreign intrusion.

(g) Commitment to Democracy

Uphold democratic values, maintain public accountability, respect civilian authority over the military, and always uphold the Constitution with loyalty to country above persons or party.

(h) Simple Living

Lead modest lives appropriate to position and income. Avoid extravagant or ostentatious displays of wealth.

Whistleblowing

Ethical practice of exposing wrongdoing such as graft, corruption, and abuse of power.

Purpose of Whistleblowing

protect the public interest by reporting unethical or illegal acts.

Accountability

The obligation of public officials and employees to be answerable for their actions and decisions.

Transparency

The accessibility of information to the public, ensuring openness in government operations.

Integrity

The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

Impartiality

The equal treatment of all individuals without bias or favoritism.

Whistleblower

An official or employee who exposes wrongdoing within the organization to authorities or the public.

Conflict of Interest

A situation in which a person has personal interests that could improperly influence their professional duties.

Citizen Participation

Active involvement of individuals and groups in influencing public decisions and policies.

Participatory Governance

A governance model where citizens actively engage in public decision-making processes.

Social Accountability

The capacity of citizens to hold the state and service providers accountable and responsive to their needs.

People Power

• The ability of grassroots communities to collectively and deliberatively determine the change they want to see.

• Make the desired change a reality. 

• It allows individuals to take control over their lives by acting together with others. 

• It gives strength to groups to challenge oppression.

Human Rights

• fundamental entitlements and freedoms belonging to every person simply by being human, grounded in principles of dignity, fairness, and equality, regardless of status

• Universal (applying everywhere), Inalienable (cannot be taken away), Indivisible (all equally important), and Interdependent (connected).

1987 Philippine Constitution: Article III, Bill of Rights

Section 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.

Social Justice

refers to a fair and equitable division of resources, opportunities, and privileges in society.

Rule of Law

The rule of law is the foundation of justice and order in society. It means that everyone, no matter their position or wealth, must follow the law.

Accountability for Rights Violations

holding individuals, institutions, or the government responsible for actions that infringe on human rights, ensuring investigation, justice, and appropriate remedies for victims. 

Gender Mainstreaming

A strategy that integrates gender perspectives into policies, programs, and institutions to ensure that women and men benefit equally and inequities are not perpetuated.

Inclusive Governance

Ensures that decision-making processes are participatory, equitable, and accessible to all sectors—especially marginalized groups such as women, LGBTQ+, PWDs, and indigenous peoples.

Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710)

A comprehensive women’s human rights law guaranteeing equality, protection from discrimination, and full participation of women in all spheres of society.

Philippine Women in Politics

Refers to the participation, representation, and leadership of Filipino women in government institutions, elections, and public decision-making.

CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)

An international treaty that defines discrimination against women and obliges states to adopt laws and policies to eliminate it.

GAD (Gender and Development) Budget

Refers to at least 5% of an agency’s or LGU’s total budget earmarked for programs, activities, and projects addressing gender issues and promoting equality.

Intersectionality

An analytical framework that explains how overlapping identities—such as gender, class, race, sexuality, disability, and ethnicity—create interconnected forms of discrimination or privilege.

E-Governance

Refers to the use of information and communications technology (ICT) by government institutions to deliver public services, improve transparency, enhance citizen participation, and increase administrative efficiency.

Digital Transformation

The process of integrating digital technologies into government operations, policies, and services to innovate and improve public sector performance.

DICT’s National Broadband Plan

DICT’s long-term strategy to build a fast, affordable, and secure internet infrastructure nationwide, especially in underserved and unserved communities.

RA 10844

Gives DICT authority to develop a national broadband agenda.

Philippine Development Plan (PDP)

Includes digital infrastructure expansion.

EO 467 (1998)

Regulates government use of satellite telecommunications.

E-Participation

Refers to the use of digital tools to involve citizens in governance processes—such as consultation, feedback, co-creation of policies, and monitoring of public programs.

Digital Divide

The gap between individuals or communities that have reliable access to digital technologies and those who do not.

Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS)

Online portal for all government procurement activities, serving as the central platform for posting bid opportunities, notices, and awards.

RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act)

Requires electronic procurement systems.

2016 Revised IRR of RA 9184

Mandates the use of PhilGEPS.

RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act)

Requires electronic procurement systems.

GPPB Resolutions

Provide guidelines for PhilGEPS modernization.

E-Governance in LGUs

Refers to the adoption of digital systems—such as online permits, automated revenue collection, and digital citizen service portals—at the local government level.

RA 11032

Requires LGUs to implement electronic business one-stop shops (eBOSS)

RA 8792

Encourages electronic transactions in all government units.

Sustainable Development

A development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic growth, social welfare, and environmental protection.

Environmental Governance

Refers to the structures, processes, and institutions through which decisions about environmental protection, resource use, and ecological sustainability are made and enforced.

Climate Governance

A system of policies, institutions, and actions designed to address climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM)

An approach where local communities actively participate in managing, protecting, and utilizing natural resources within their area.

NIPAS Act (RA 7586, amended by RA 11038)

Act that promotes community involvement in protected area management.

Fisheries Code (RA 8550, as amended)

Act that supports community co-management.

Philippine Clean Air Act (RA 8749)

A comprehensive law aimed at protecting and preserving the quality of the nation's air through pollution prevention, regulation, and monitoring.

Climate Change Act (RA 9729)

Republic Act that institutionalizes climate change adaptation and mitigation into government policy and creates the Climate Change Commission.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (RA 10121)

Republic Act that establishes a proactive, comprehensive, community-based approach to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

A business model in which companies integrate social, environmental, and ethical concerns into their operations.

SEC Memorandum Circulars on Sustainability Reporting (e.g., MC 4-2019)

An act require publicly listed companies to disclose environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

Shared Value

A strategy where businesses create economic value in ways that also generate social benefits, addressing societal issues while enhancing competitiveness.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Collaborative agreements between government entities and private sector for financing and delivering public services.

Crisis Governance

Refers to the systems, decisions, and actions taken by government and institutions to anticipate, manage, and recover from crises such as pandemics, disasters, conflicts, or economic shocks.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

A systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks of disasters by minimizing vulnerabilities and enhancing community resilience.

Emergency Response System

Organized procedures, resources, and infrastructures designed to provide immediate action during crises or disasters to protect lives and property.

Adaptive Governance

A flexible, learning-based approach to managing social and environmental issues by adjusting policies as needed.

E-Governance

The use of ICT by governments to provide services, improve transparency, and enhance citizen participation.

Digital Divide

The gap between individuals who have access to digital technologies and those who do not.

Gender Mainstreaming

The strategy of integrating gender perspectives into public policies and programs to ensure fairness.

Climate Governance

The system of policies and actions aimed at addressing climate change through coordinated efforts.

Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM)

An approach where local communities actively participate in managing and protecting natural resources.

Emergency Response Systems

Organized procedures and resources for providing immediate aid during crises or disasters.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.