1|SARAH GRACE E.

EMPLAMADO DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

Case Study # 1
An Island Firestorm

Coliform are broad class of bacteria found in the environment, including feces of
man and other warm-blooded animals. The presence of coliform bacteria may indicate a
possible presence of harmful, disease-causing organisms. These issues brought by the
development were alarming to the local officials because the waters of the island are
not safe anymore. . The cover-up of the local official about lifting up the ban for
swimming was not a good move. Yes, as long as the level of fecal coliform bacteria is
slow, swimming is relatively safe. However, coliform bacteria can multiply rapidly,
especially when the temperature is warm, thus increasing the level of coliform. Once the
coliform increases to a point where water is considered contaminated, swimming should
be banned.

If I were the official concerned after knowing the findings of the chemist is a
cause for action; to wit: (1) Every resort shall apply or have an environmental clearance
before operating. This is necessary to ensure that the ecology of the area is not
disturbed. Each resort should have a proper detail of their projects like the usage of
water and energy at the resort; their impact on the water and air, transportation, solid
waste and its mitigation steps and most especially the health and well-being of the
workers. If a certain resort continues to operate without the clearance, they will be
sanctioned. (2) Proper information dissemination about health and sanitation and proper
waste disposal will be realized to educate the locals. (3) Have the officials, volunteers
and the locals inspect the surrounding areas for sources of pollution such as garbage,
animal pens, barns and agricultural areas (including home garden). The beach and
other publicly used recreational areas should be tested at least once a week.

I can show my commitment to public interest through educating the people on the
island abut proper waste disposal. There should be learnings on the segregation
matters and on how to be safe at all times. Our environment is a place where we live as
well as plants and animals live and keeping it clean and neat is our main responsibility.
And as a public official, it is your obligation to promote the well-being or welfare of the
community at large.
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CASE STUDY #2
WANTED: DEAD HEROES

Illegal logging has a significant environmental, economic and social cost because
it degrades forest environments, reduces biodiversity, undermines government regimes
and revenues, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and deprives local
communities of opportunities to improve their quality of life.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with the help of
the Philippine government campaigned against illegal logging and its reforestation
program. In 2011, the Executive Order No. 23, “Declaring a Moraturium on the Cutting
and Harvesting of Timber in the Natural and Residual Forests and Creating the Anti-
Illegal Logging Task Force” was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on February
1, 2011.
If I were in Rick’s shoes, as an assigned forest guard to help the government with
its fight against illegal going. I will not allow Alonzo, an alleged Army Colonel to pass
through because he violated the law. Considering that we were outnumbered, I will call
immediately the nearest police stations in the area to ask for police assistance. I will
inform Alonzo, an alleged Army Colonel, of his constitutional rights.
As a forest guard, I was just given the authority to aid the government with their
regulations and that effective chastisement should be done by the authority figure of the
implementing rules in our community, even if I was vested to exercise police powers
(Art. 10593, Sec. 7), I would request assistance from the local government to deputize
the PNP or other law enforcement agencies to help us monitor and ensure the
compliance of the said law. And in case the same situation will happen, we would have
enough people who will pursue to decrease illegal deforestation and continue to uphold
their aim of reforestation which can protect the whole area against typhoon, flood,
landslides and other calamities.
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CASE STUDY #3
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

Whistleblowing is a disclosure by a person, usually an employee in a government

agency or private entity, to the public or to those in authority of mismanagement,
corruption, illegality, or some other wrongdoing. Some consider whistle blowers as
noble characters willing to sacrifice themselves professionally and personally to expose
wasteful, fraudulent practices that can harm the welfare of the republic.
Yes, Glenda is right. Being a government employee, you should uphold the
public interest over and above persona interest. In this case, Glenda’s decision that she
will not prepare the paperwork to justify allowing the ACME Mining Company to start an
open-pit mining in an area where they have no time to do a proper environmental
impact study is correct.
For me, Glenda should really raise the concern to the next higher position after
her Division Chief. The problem should be communicated first internally thus giving the
management an opportunity to investigate and take corrective measures if necessary.
Second, the management must let their employees believe that their concerns will be
taken seriously because being hostile to the concern can also cause unfortunate results
to the company. If employees feel an unresponsive management, they would take the
information externally or to another party. Lastly, when employees raise their concerns,
they must have confidence that they will not suffer any personal reprisals foe reporting
what he/she perceives to be a wrongdoing.
I believe that whistleblowing is a right to free speech. Individuals are just
concerned about any possible wrongdoing within the organization, who honestly
expresses their concerns and they should be treated fairly. They do not have the right to
disrupt the workplace because it seems fidelity to one’s agency, to one’s superior, and
to colleagues stressed in countless ways. But at the same time, they are not expected
to keep silent when they are aware of probable wrongdoing, or when they are asked to
do something they feel violates the law or the welfare of the people.
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CASE STUDY #4
PICK ME UP
Gift giving, to public officials seems to be or related to bribery in which our moral
views are changing because it can create the perception of undue influence. . Ronnie is
in a situation of accepting the money given by his client, Ms. Santos, for the prompt and
speedy action of Ronnie to act on the transaction leading to the awarding of the
property to Ms. Santos. For Ms. Santos, it is just a token of gratitude for Ronnie. Now let
us try posing some questions which is now becoming an issue to professional ethics:
What is the difference between a gift and a bribe? A gift is something of value given
without asking anything in return; a bribe is the same with the hope to influence or
benefit something in return.
If I were Ronnie, if the salary I receive is not enough for the personal and family
needs, I will still not accept the gift. It is because as a public servant, we are reciting the
Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno which states that: “Hindi ako hihingi o tatanggap
ng suhol.” I will not break my own pledge to be a good public servant. ? I will do the
government agency a favor and the government itself by declining the envelope with
money while saying, “This is my job, thank you but I cannot accept that.”
Credibility and trust are two most important things in my service which are built
around accountability, professionalism, justness and sincerity. If accepting a gift or
attending any event with the intention to undermine my credibility or creates the
appearance of impropriety, then it is a big no!
But I will approach Ms. Santos and extend my gratitude to her for appreciating
the efforts that I have exerted to finish her transaction at the soonest possible time.
Also, I will really give emphasis on her words, “I am very happy that there are civil
servants like you who do things promptly and effectively”, for me, those words are more
than any gifts or money that anyone can have. The feeling that someone was really very
pleased with the amount of work that I have done is satisfying and heart-warming at the
same time.
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CASE STUDY #5:

BRING HOME OFFICE GOODIES

One of the norms of conducts for government employees as stated in RA 6713,

Sec. 4, Commitment to Public Interest is, “All government resources and powers of their
respective offices must be employed and used efficiently, effectively, honestly, and
economically, particularly to avoid wastage in public funds and revenues.” However, it
isn’t true in this case. Taking office supply is a kind of thing that goes unnoticed; it is like
an express shopping of envelopes, highlighter, glue, post-its, pen, and even markers.
A government property should be utilized properly. The government purchased
those supplies not for the employee’s used but official business only.
In the situation cited above, I would take Cynthia’s side. It is simply because what
Emy did was a form of stealing it’s because those supplies do not belong to her.
Bringing home office sup lies of the office to be used for personal interest is obviously
unethical.
If I see a co-worker taking company property from our facilities without
permission I will not keep it to myself because it would reflect poorly on my loyalty to the
office or the organization. It seems like I do not care about the money wasted by the
public because some employees are getting what they think they deserve to have. Also,
those who are in the top management, such as the second level employees, the head
or the division chief should lead by example and set the tone for ethics and trust in the
company by showing good values in all areas of the business and see to it that
everyone is treated fairly. In that way, subordinates would hesitate to do wrong
because they can see that their head acts as good role model for them. Also, it is really
important that paid workers should not be underpaid so that they will not get their share
of profit somewhere else; either by taking something from the company, or cutting their
time.

And always remember that as a government employee, one has the

responsibility to take care of every government property and utilize them properly. And
that those things should be used for public interest and not for personal interest.
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CASE STUDY # 6
MORE THAN JUST CASINOS

Legality simply refers to acts that conform to the law. And aside from that
morality is based on an individual’s beliefs and not the law. On the given example,
PAGCOR, like the Lotto and sweepstakes symbolize gambling. It is legal because it is
allowed by the government. And the revenues it remitted to the government help a lot in
building schools as well as in other projects of the government. And aside from that, it
has helped lot of sick people in their medication and hospitalization. It also extends help
to victims of calamities. Those are some of the reasons that make it legal and that the
government allowed it to operate. But we cannot deny the fact that it symbolizes
gambling. And gambling has destroyed many lives and has broken many families.

Gambling for me is not really illegal but it could be considered as psychologically

addictive, that it leads to financial ruin, that it leads to compulsive gambling, that it
harms families, that it leads to criminal activities to support the habit, and that it
increases crime in areas where gambling venues are located.

Those things may be true but none of them can legitimately be said to be a
reason for gambling to be illegal. If it is illegal, why would the government allow it? Why
would the government own PAGCOR? If gambling should be proscribed by government
because it is harmful, ruinous, crime-fostering or immoral, the government should
outlaw all forms of gambling and certainly not be running lotteries. In a genuinely free
society, people have the freedom to make any bet they choose on; may it be horse
race, casino, lotteries, poker and other gambling activity. But that does not mean that
gambling is good or that it has no negative consequences. There is a distinction
between favouring a thing and favouring the legalization. It depends on the person to
disdain some or all forms of gambling because it raises financial crisis and yet full
support the legalization of such because at some point, it can help a lot of people.
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CASE STUDY # 7
I CAN AFFORD ANYWAY

As a government employee, it is our obligation to abide with the law.

The law states that public officials and employees and their families shall lead
modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in an
extravagant display of wealth in any form.
Dressing in proper business attire is important for every business professional
because it gives the message that you are dedicated to your position. The way we
dress forms an impression to the clients and overall judgment to the company or the
business; it is important to dress that creates a positive impression. The way we dress
carries certain messages to those we meet. Appropriate dresses, along with basic
etiquette, are associated to professionalism. Jewelry is indeed a great accessory to
enhance any boring outfit ad to highlight what you really want to show. Jewelry at a
formal working place should be about restraint. You want to garnish the outfit, embellish
it. A great idea is to either pick a few small pieces like a ring, small earrings, a watch or
a one big piece, a chunky or layered necklace or a statement ring but don’t overdo it.
There is no such thing as an investment to clothes. Splurging yourself to
expensive clothes that runs of out of style after months is irresponsible disposal of
income. But is it socially irresponsible to continue feeding the minds of people that they
need things they can’t afford? We should know better on how to handle our finances
than to flaunt our fashion and later on wallow ourselves to self-pity for spending too
much on something unimportant.
We must remember to take the company for which we are working for because
we reflect our employer’s operation. As government employees, we must strongly
support the dress code of CSC because its aim is to align our outfit with our daily
activities at the office. With a clear dress code, CSC will be able to help the employees
avoid making inappropriate choices in the dress that could cause a safety problem or a
human resources issue. While each of us have the right to express ourselves, so as
businesses, and the way we dress definitely sends intended or unintended messages to
the market. Although dressing professionally is important, it also important to dress
relative to our co-workers because what is acceptable to one company could be looked
down upon at another.
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CASE STUDY # 8
GIFTS GALORE

Giving of gifts is a sign of gratitude. And refusing a gift offered or given is an

insult to the giver. There are reasons why we receive and we give gifts. Giving gifts is a
kind act and as a result it gives happiness to the receiver regardless of the amount of
the gift given. This is an act that is appreciated so much by anybody. Since gift giving is
a kind act, there is nothing wrong with this, but if the gift is given in exchange for a favor
that is asked or for a task that was accomplished especially if it is given to a government
employee is no longer good. It is unethical. Josie is right. Though the gift given to Adela
were just nominal but if she has to combine all the gifts she received it’s a large amount
already. Through this act, the people will think that the gifts were given as payment for
what she did for them. And next time, if these people will ask favor from her again, she
cannot refuse because of the gifts that were given to her. And the best reason why
accepting gifts is improper it’s because the law states that public officials and
employees shall not solicit or accept directly or indirectly any gifts, gratuity, favor,
entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value. Public employees should do their
duties and that is to serve the people for free because they are well-paid by the
government for that.

Adora was right when she said that RA 6713 ruled that employees can accept
gifts that are nominal or insignificant. But when is a gift nominal or not? When is a gift
not a gift? Is it to influence a relationship or induce improper conduct? Or a simple token
of thanks? What constitutes a “lavish” gift or hospitality can be difficult to judge. For
example, Adora received an expensive Igorot cloth costing around P2,400 may seem
minor to a PNP Director, who gave it to her, but can be significantly valued to a lower-
level police. Sometimes, the exact value can also be hard to determine because she
receives it one after another, in pieces, not in bulk, so we cannot tell if those are in low
value but once summed up – it is no longer minimal. Another note would be accepting
gifts because of a job or transaction done. Each of the employees has their own specific
tasks and requires their time and focus, so basically, it is their job and they are paid by
the agency for doing so.
Gift-giving should never be done in exchange of personal benefit. Adora and
other public servants involved in unethical practices are most likely held accountable for
their actions. They might not be found guilty or penalized by any court or law, yet the
physiological impact of those acts can lead to mental and physical stress.
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Employees need guidance on the company’s protocol on giving or accepting gifts

or hospitality. That is why CSC had these standards to formally guide employees of
code of ethics and set good practice for the employees. It is always in consistent with all
other aspects of the agency’s program in encouraging standards of honesty and
integrity in decision-making and behavior. Communicate your gifts and hospitality policy
to your client and remind him/her of that your service is in line with your daily
transactions; set yourself as a good example in giving and accepting gifts.
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CASE STUDY # 9
FOR OFFICIAL USE ALSO
One of the privileges in working in a government agency is a company car which
we can use for business travels. Vehicle usage shouldn’t be arbitrary, and it should be
in line with the company’s best interest. Vehicles are provided for number of purposes
including site visits, attending to meetings, presentations to clients, entertaining
customers or delivering or servicing the company’s product. All government vehicles
should be clearly marked with the name and location of the office, corporation or
agency.
If I happen to chance upon a government service vehicle parked in a place where
I least expect a government official may transact business with, the first thing that I will
do is to think that maybe the government official using the government vehicle just drop
by from an official business transaction near that place. But if I happen to see it twice or
more, then I will try to know the reasons why the vehicle is parked there. Since I am
aware that government vehicle should be used for official business transactions only
and not for personal business of course I have to inform the proper authorities of it so
that this wrong act of government officials will be stopped. Aside from that, this may
serve as warning also to the other government officials who are using the government
vehicles for personal interest.
For Erna’s case; she is being skeptical. It is a good attitude at some point
because it makes people be alert to conditions which may indicate possible
misstatement or fraud.
Sometimes, we put ourselves in some kind of danger. Even if Erna is right about
her seeing the service vehicle of Director Sison at SM Megamall, she does not have
enough evidence to prove her point; which now leads to Minda’s point that perhaps
Director Sison brought a client at SM after transacting business with him/her. Either of
them can be right or wrong yet they do not have facts to corroborate their statements. If
I were in their shoes, I will not directly or personally file a case to the Ombudsman.
I will not be afraid to report such anomaly or unofficial use of government
vehicles because I am also paying my taxes. Misuse of these government vehicles
means robbing us, taxpayers, millions of funds. They derive such powers because of
the public and our taxes sustain their salaries and other benefits; therefore, they should
serving as well than serving their selves well. They must recall that public officials are
expected with due diligence to effectively, efficiently, honestly and economically use
government resources and powers to avoid wastage in public funds and revenues with
high standards of ethics.
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CASE STUDY # 10
HE DOES, I DO
One of the implementing rules of CSC is the work schedule of government
officials and employees to render a total of forty (40) hours a week; thus giving the
public assurance of core working hours from eight in the morning to five in the afternoon
for the duration of five (5) days which excludes lunch time to give employees enough
energy to work with enthusiasm in the afternoon.
As a public servant, one of us should possess a professional spirit. One of the
way of showing it is by reporting to work on time. A government employee should be
very conscious of the time; they should utilize the time well. It is not good to see
employees reporting to office for work late, and then once he arrives in the office the
people who need his service are already waiting for him. It is very embarrassing and
very disgusting.
Let us see the sides of Mr. Sanchez, the Director and Roy, the rank and file
employee. Let us start with Mr. Sanchez. Being on top management, he is working
more than 40 hours in a week because all of the things happening and will be
happening in the office is under his responsibility and at times, he had to go to the extra
mile of his work, he even emphasized that he sometimes work on weekends without
pay; making it stressful for him; thus, leading to him to be late at the office at times. He
might have been late because of some important cases to be done which are work-
related. He might had an important meet-up with a client early in the morning because
we do not know why or what the reason is, but it must be reasonable enough for him to
be walking in at the office around nine or ten, perhaps. The car that he is using is not his
but it was a privilege given to him because he had to attend some appointments to
clients that require his time right away. And being in the middle of traffic can have some
negative effects to him or to the agency he handles. The service vehicle is attached to
his duties. The number of minutes he is late in the office and not deducted to his leave
credit is practical because any problem in the office will be reflected to him; these
problems can be enough reasons for him to be terminated in his position.
It is worse than deducting those late to his leave credits. However, I do not agree
when he said, “He should wait until he becomes a boss.” He has a point there, but he
must also take into careful consideration that he started as a rank and file employee and
he should know better than Roy of the experiences that he had to go through to be
where he is. Instead of somehow putting it as an obstacle, he should have used his
position to be an inspiration to Roy; not a distraction. Rank and file employees like Roy,
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are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business; without rank and file
members in the fold, very few organizations would survive.
True, executives or heads are responsible for developing strategy and
implementing large-scale plans; however, rank and file employees actually perform the
job functions that support the organizations strategic plans and processes. Therefore,
Mr. Sanchez should not overlook the importance of rank and files because it is a
mistake. And lastly, he said, “I had to follow the rules too.” The use of had is
inappropriate because had is indicative of the past, does it mean that right after being a
director, he isn’t following rules anymore? Being on top management, he should pose
himself as a good example to his subordinates. He has enough expertise in his industry
or niche and he should be showing to them or teaching them the proper things to do
and how to apply it so they don’t make the same mistakes. He holds authority and is
viewed as a credible source of integrity and passion; then he must also learn to take full
responsibility of his actions; including his own tardiness. Let us now take Roy’s side; a
rank and file employee who gets notices because of arriving late at the office.
Management has the responsibility and right to actively manage flexible working
arrangement in their organization. Roy, who keeps on complaining of being late, could
have asked his superior for a flexible time, to arrive before 9 in the morning and leave
the office at 6 in the evening – still constituting the 8 hour policy.
However, if he opts to have a flexible time and was allowed to do so, he must at
all cost support and enhance the efficient operations of his department or office. It
should also be taken into consideration that office should still be staffed during the
working day, including lunch breaks; and his flexible time schedule will not disrupt the
services offered by the agency.
But as for me, none of them is right or wrong because the real issue here is
being tardy and they are both guilty of the crime that they are raising to each other and
yet none of them would like to humble themselves and try to talk things out. Both of
them, and us, have choices in all things in life. If we see someone arriving late, let’s not
make it a big deal since what he does with his time doesn’t matter at all to us that much.
Roy cannot change his director’s tardiness, but he can always change his. Let this be a
gentle reminder to him in a gentle tone and his director might get the message. If you
change yourself and your perspective on things, it’s as if others have changed as well.
We are all responsible individuals, we will only take on as much as we can handle. If we
are reliable, we will meet our commitments to others or break our commitment
professionally if we cannot make it. If we are smart, we will prioritize our activities. If we
are considerate, we will plan ahead, show up early and set ourselves as good example
to others. Being late is not in our DNA. It is not something that we inherit from our
family. It is not a characteristic trait. It is just a habit, and like all other habits, it can be
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broken or preserved. It is just a matter of personal choice and priority. We’re not
afflicted with tardiness.
Our mind has the power to train us and become the most punctual person we
could ever know.
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REFLECTION

The course is very useful in the self-discovery of government

employees because it orients on the rules of conduct and ethical behaviour
in the civil service. Here, it guides us to understand about what responsible
administrative behaviour can be.

It emphasized the enforcement of Republic Act 6713. The code sets

eight norms of conduct to be followed by government officials and
employees, including commitment to public interest, political neutrality and
simple living.

We, as government officials and employees are obliged that we have

to prove that we observe the people’s trust. It is the basis of our
employment and tenure in public service. In here, we are taught that things
that really make an impact are basic things. Things that come from within,
from the values that influence our thinking and behaving.

I realized that we should always be guided by public interest and

should always promote the well-being or welfare of the community at large.

We can be more professional by observing different qualities that can

equipped us. We can improve our work in the office by controlling our
outputs. We have to strive to produce an excellent output so that the client
may best be served. We are also taught that public officials and employees
should provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination.
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As a Filipino, we are also be proud of ourselves. There are many

things that we can be proud of our country.

I can show my commitment to public interest through educating the

people on the island abut proper waste disposal. There should be
learnings on the segregation matters and on how to be safe at all times.
Our environment is a place where we live as well as plants and animals live
and keeping it clean and neat is our main responsibility. And as a public
official, it is your obligation to promote the well-being or welfare of the
community at large.

As a public servant, one of us should possess a professional

spirit. One of the way of showing it is by reporting to work on time. A
government employee should be very conscious of the time; they should
utilize the time well. It is not good to see employees reporting to office for
work late, and then once he arrives in the office the people who need his
service are already waiting for him. It is very embarrassing and very
disgusting.

After reading the module, I have reflected that we should follow the
provisions not because we are told to do so but because they are the right
things to do in government. And we should internalize and manifest it in our
daily life.
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