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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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~ Introduced by Senator S. R. OsmeAa 111 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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Section 5 df Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of 
Conduct and Ethidal Standards for Public Officials and Employees, enjoins all 
public servants to iespond to letters, telegrams or other means of communication 
sent by the public within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof. 
In reality, hbwever, some government officials will most often than not, 
ignore the said lettbrs or telegrams and summarily dismiss them as a nuisance or 
a waste of time. Ib other instances, the response takes a long time but you will 
not read the apologies for the late reply included in the letter. 
This arrogant stance of some government officials should be nipped. It is 
time that they put to good use the taxpayers money that is being spent for them. 
It is time they make good use of the time that is equivalent to the money and 
position they hold in government. 
It is within this context that this measure is being proposed. This bill will 
provide stiffer penalties to these erring public officials to deter them from ignoring 
the needs of their constituents. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought 
SERGIO OSMENA 111 
Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SfNo. $33 
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Introduced by Senator S. R. Osmefia 111 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR STIFFER PENALTIES AGAINST PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND 
EMPLOYEES WHO REFUSE OR NEGLECT TO ACT PROMPTLY ON THE 
PUBLIC’S PERSONAL TRANSACTIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS AS 
REQUIRED UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6713, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE “CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC 
OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Prompt Action on Letters and Requests. - All public 
officials and employees shall, as a general rule, respond to letters, telegrams, or 
other means of communication sent by the public within (15) working days from 
receipt thereof, in accordance with the provisions of Section 5 of Republic Act 
No. 6713, otherwise known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for 
Public Officials and Employees.” The reply must contain the action taken on the 
request. 
SEC. 2. Exceptions. - In cases where the subject matter of the written 
requests, petitions, or motions, sent by means of letters, telegrams, or the like, is 
non-routinary or the issues involved are not simple or ordinary or where the 
action desired cannot be acted upon in the ordinary course of business of the 
department or agency concerned, action on such cases shall be made in 
accordance with the procedures prescribed under Rule VI, Section 3 of the 
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Implementing Rules of R.A. No. 6713 promulgated by the Civil Service 
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Commission 


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SEC. 3. Other Duties. - All public officials and employees are likewise 
under obligation to see to it that all official papers and documents are processed 
and completed within a reasonable time from the preparation thereof and that 
public documents are made accessible to and readily available for inspection by 
the public within reasonable working hours. 
In the discharge of the abovementioned duties and responsibilities, public 
officials and employees shall be guided by the procedures prescribed under Rule 
VI, Section 4 to 7 of the Implementing Rules of R.A. No. 6713 referred to in the 
preceding section. 
SEC. 4. Penalties. -Any public official or employee, regardless of whether 
or not he holds office or employment in a casual, temporary, hold-over, 
permanent or regular capacity, who commits any violation of this Act shall, after 
due notice and hearing by the appropriate body or agency, be punished with a 
fine of not less than the equivalent of three (3) months salary but not exceeding 
the equivalent of six (6) months salary or suspension for a period of not less than 
six (6) months but not exceeding one (1) year, or removal from office, depending 
upon the gravity of the offense and taking into consideration other aggravating 
factors, such as recidivism on the part of the respondent official or employee. 
SEC. 
5. Repealing Clause. 
- The provisions of Section 11 of 
Republic Act No. 6713, and other laws, decrees, orders, rules or regulations, or 
parts thereof inconsistent herewith, are repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 6. 
Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 
circulation. 
Approved,