Obispo, Miguel Santino D.

April 26, 2018

1-S
Legal Philosophy Assignment

Questions:

1. Does RA 6713 embody the seven principles of public life?

2. Is our current leadership exhibiting the distinguishing marks of a true
leadership according to Jovito R. Salonga?

I.

With regards to whether or not Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical
Standards for Public Officials embodies the Seven Principles of Public life, the said law
does abide with the principles for it was expressed in Section 4 of Republic Act 6713 the
following duties which are:
1. Commitment to Public Interest and Professionalism, which is in line with
the principle of Selflessness, Integrity
2. Justice and Sincerity which is in line with the principle of Objectivity
3. Responsiveness to the Public which mirrors the principle of
Accountability and Opennes
4. Leadership which is expressed in Section 3 of Republic Act 6713 or the
Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Office stating that “It is
the policy of the state to promote a high standard of ethics in public
service. Public officials shall at all times be accountable to the people and
shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity,
competence and loyalty.” The Principle of Leadership states that holders
of public office should promote and support these principles just as the
policy of Republic Act 6713 declare.
 II.
Our current leadership is not exhibiting the distinguishing marks of a true leader.
According to Diokno, the first mark of a true leader is vision which is the ability
to see through the surface of things and perceive what must be done. It is born of
a deep dissatisfaction of things and have a clear grasp of what could be. Although
the current President has a vision of a crime free Philippines, such vision if being
attained through unlawful means will only aggravate the situation. Lawlessness
cannot be answered through lawless means.

It cannot be said that the current administration is competent as well for there
were appointments made by the President that have been blatantly questionable,
particularly in the positions of Secretary of Justice and Assistant Secretary for
Communications given that their characters have exhibited blatant disregard to the
very essence of public service, but instead forwarded their own.

Although the hard work may have been evident from the very character of our
few leaders, but when working hard in the wrong places is their strategy it will
only be detrimental to the very interest of the public. With the disregard for due
process and the value of life, all in the pursuit of a crime-free Philippines, it
cannot be said that the current administration is a moral administration for if there
is a lawful objective, lawful means must be implemented in order to avoid
aggravating the damage.

Lastly, the concept of service is inexistent given that the promise of the President
to “plant the flag of the Philippines on the disputed islands” have been completely
disregarded and instead have compromised said dispute. Moreover, the
appointments made have been a blatant example of nepotism given that some are
clearly not qualified to handle the position but merely acquired the same through
their charisma or proximity with the President.