Standard of Conduct of a Filipino Soldier

(Student Handout)
ROTC 100 MS- 11

1. Pursuit of Excellence
A soldier powered by the pursuit of excellence is not readily seen, for the soldier
operates in silence though he carries the organization with him.
He have full knowledge of his job, proficiency in training, in combat requirements,
in peacekeeping and in the implementation of the national policies for development.
Pursuit of excellence is seen in the utmost efficiency and maximum use of the
soldier’s abilities with the prudent use of resources available to him.
Even when reduced to the barest of fighting paraphernalia, the pursuit of
excellence remained constant such as when the guerillas were recognized for their best
weapons. “Silence, invisibility and speed”.
The best weapon in the unit is the individual himself as the most potent weapon.
The soldier becomes more confident in his mission and his uniform assumes a whole
new significance.
It is a continuing goal that, when achieved in any endeavor, reaps the full
confidence, morale, esprit-de-corps, and pride that the soldier carries as the symbol of
the military spirit.
2. Pride in the Uniform
In any legitimate army of any sovereign country, the military uniform reflects ones
pride in being the guardian of his country.
The manner of wearing the uniform is therefore a manifestation of the state of the
Army. It reflects not only the personality and character of the individual soldier but also
that of the whole organization.
The uniform is also the symbol of integrity and discipline in the service; thus, any
damage deliberately done thereto or any soldier appearing in civilian clothing without
authority, or appearing in unclean uniform, or not in the prescribed uniform constitute
serious misconduct warranting punishment of equal severity, if only to reinforce the
importance of profession and the steadfast commitment required of it.
3. Discipline
A soldier is a model of self-discipline. As he follows the disciplined path, he
generates the same quality of discipline from those he walks with.
In this manner, disciplined governance from the Chain of Command. The soldier
and the Philippine Army’s energy comes from this unity of discipline purpose.
Good discipline conquers fear and the best discipline, which is self-discipline,
conquers all. This means continuing the fight even when alone and to the last man;
staying alert when all others are asleep; and keeping to the objective when all else
seems lost.
This is more than being fierce in battle; it is being true to the noble warrior spirit in all of
us.
Discipline is equally vital to preservation of life as much to the success of military
operations.
 Discipline is also enforced throughout the Army by adhering the Articles of War.
These are time-tested and internationally recognized laws for soldiery conduct.
4. Professionalism
Professionalism in the military career stands for commitment, knowledge, and
skills and is better expressed in one's attention to duty with the required discipline and
competence.
Each soldier is guided by the standards o Military Professionalism that embody
the core values of the Philippine Army.
Professionalism comes from pursuit of excellence; his disciplined performance.
Humility where respect is earned and coveted. Humor in being human and in keeping
one’s feet on the ground.
Soldier gives rise impartially, objectivity, and nonpartisanship that is necessary to
support common goals for the welfare of the population.
5. Adherence to Law
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is an organization that operates pursuant to
the policy direction of the National Command Authority.
The Philippine Army and each soldier is committed to follow orders that are
pursuant to such national policy.
Each soldier, therefore, does not individually determine how policies of the
government will be carried out, for it is the military leadership in the chain of command
that takes responsibility for this.
Moreover, members of the Philippine Army are both citizens and military
personnel; hence, all soldiers are subject to the same law.
The Constitution; the Article of War; the law on Ethical Standard and Public
Accountability and other general special law are to be followed as the minimum
standard of conduct expected of a military man.
In case of conflict, the higher military standard of conduct, required under the
same set of circumstances in either system, is always paramount.
The supremacy of civilian authority places the burden of responsibility for such
policy on the civil government, implemented only by the military upon being
appropriately handed down through the chain of command.
6. Deference to Authority
Authority refers to those with the right and responsibility to carry out functions
that affect an entire group.
Persons in position of authority within the military are entrusted with carrying out
the military operational imperative and discipline ensures this is followed.
Military authority is inherent in its position as well as earned.

SUMMARY
6 Standard of Conduct of a Filipino Soldier
 Pursuit of Excellence
 Pride in the Uniform
 Discipline
 Professionalism
 Adherence to Law
 Deference to Authority