Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

REGIONAL OFFICE NO. VIII (EASTERN VISAYAS)
Sto. Niño Extension, Tacloban City, 6500, Philippines
Telephone No. (053) 832-0825/(053) 832-0281/(053) 832-0655/(053) 832-1887/(053)321-1462
Website: r8.denr.gov.ph/E-mail: r8@denr.gov.ph

CODE OF ETHICAL STANDARDS AND RULES RELATING TO

THE CONDUCT OF MEMBERS OF THE SPECIAL BODY
CREATED UNDER REGIONAL SPECIAL ORDER NO. 2019-51.

ARTICLE 1. PURPOSES

Section 1. It focuses on fundamental principles of ethical behavior applying to

members of the Special Body created under Regional Special Order No. 2019-
51.

Section 2. It sets out the fundamental principles underpinning the duties of,
and obligations on, members of the Special Body created under Regional Special
Order No. 2019-51.

Section 3. It serves to remind members of the Special Body created under

Regional Special Order No. 2019-51 of their obligations and guide them in their
decision making in relation to ethical issues.

ARTICLE 2. OBLIGATIONS AND CONDUCT OF MEMBERS OF THE

SPECIAL BODY

Section 1. Members of the Special Body should demonstrate respect for the
Constitution, laws, rules and regulations of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources and are obliged to uphold such.

Section 2. Members of the Special Body should seek to conduct themselves in

accordance with the rules prescribed in the Regional Special Order and its
implementing rules and regulations.

Section 3. Members of the Special Body has the personal responsibility to

ensure compliance with disclosure requirements to include but not limited to
pecuniary interest and conflict of interest relative or pertinent to land cases
deliberated by the body.

Section 4. Members of the Special Body are bound by the laws governing data
privacy when dealing with information that comes into their possession during
deliberation of land cases of the special body.

Section 5. Members of the Special Body are not authorized to disclose and/or
premature release of special body proceedings.
Section 6. The proceedings of the Special Body shall remain confidential until
the special body itself has reported to the Regional Executive Director or
otherwise published the proceedings. The special body may also resolve that
some or all of its proceedings remain confidential after reporting to the Regional
Executive Director.

Section 7. Members of the Special Body should treat their co-members of the
special body and other employees of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources with courtesy, honesty and fairness, and with proper regard
for their rights, obligations, differences, safety, health and welfare.

Section 8. Members of the Special Body should not use abusive, obscene, or
threatening language (either oral or written) or behavior towards their co-
members of the special body and other employees of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources.

Section 9. Members of the Special Body are provided certain entitlements and
allowances in accordance with applicable and existing auditing rules and
regulations. They must ensure compliance with the administrative rules,
regulations, guidelines or requirements which apply, from time-to-time, to any
entitlement or allowances they receive.

Section 10. Members of the Special Body are to conduct themselves in an

appropriate and orderly manner in the special body and comply with any lawful
direction by the Chairman of such special body.

Section 11. Members of the Special Body must respect the freedom of speech
of its co-members relating to debates in the special body while deliberating land
cases.

Section 12. Members of the Special Body restrict its own debates and
proceedings through the application of the sub judice rule.

Section 13. Members of the Special Body wishing to speak must rise and
address the Chairman of the special body. If more than one member rises to
speak, only the Member called upon by the Chairman of the special body shall
speak. The special body may decide by vote that a Member be heard, not heard
or not further heard on an issue during deliberations of land cases. A member is
not permitted to interrupt another member who is speaking except to raise a
point of order or a matter concerning the powers and rights of the members.

Section 14. Members of the Special Body who has pecuniary interests and/or
conflict of interests over a certain land case shall inhibit from such deliberations.

Section 15. The Secretariat of the Special Body shall ensure the safekeeping
and confidentially of the records and minutes of the proceedings of the special
body.
ARTICLE 3. ADMINISTRATIVE CONDUCT AND LIABILITY OF MEMBERS
OF THE SPECIAL BODY

Section 1. The complaints procedure to be followed in relation for failure of

Members of the Special Body to meet one of the obligations and conduct
outlined in the Code depends on its nature and in accordance with existing and
applicable civil service laws, rules and regulations governing administrative
conduct and liability.