Simple living

Under the law prescribing norms of conduct, public officials and employees are supposed to observe “simple living.”

What does this mean?

 Section 4 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Republic Act 6713, states: “Public officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.”

This section of RA 6713 also sets these other standards for public service: commitment to public interest, professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality, responsiveness to the public, nationalism and patriotism as well as commitment to democracy, which includes public accountability.

 RA 6713 opens with a lofty declaration: “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.”

Unfortunately, failure to observe these standards is not a prohibited act under the law. If it were, government ranks could be decimated by criminal indictments.

The Code of Conduct comes to mind following the demise of one of its co-authors, human rights lawyer Rene Saguisag.

 His death on April 24 has sparked nostalgia for the days not too long ago when the Senate was dominated by persons of above-average intellect who didn’t need a law to observe the standards set under RA 6713. 

As senator, Saguisag co-authored RA 6713 together with his respected uncle, former Senate president Jovito Salonga.

Saguisag was also the principal author of Republic Act 6770, the Ombudsman Act of 1989. The current occupant of the post must be making Saguisag turn over in his grave. 

Among the punishable acts under the Code of Conduct is failure to comply with Section 8: “Public officials and employees have an obligation to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, their assets, liabilities,