Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2586 
Introduced by HON. JORGE DANIEL BOCOBO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The true strength of a nation lies in the values its people uphold and the principles by which 
its institutions operate. When citizens internalize values such as integrity, empathy, and mutual 
respect, everyday interactions become more cooperative, conflict is resolved more peacefully, 
and social trust flourishes. But when that trust, which is rooted in a shared national identity, 
begins to erode, even the best-funded initiatives falter. Rules are second-guessed, 
cooperation stalls, and rumors spread faster than facts. Strengthening a clear Filipino identity, 
therefore, is essential to support and sustain all our development efforts. 
The Filipino identity is built on a few unmistakable pillars: deep family bonds, unshakeable 
faith, the spirit of bayanihan, remarkable resilience in hardships, and a natural warmth and 
compassion toward others. Whether at home or in communities around the world, these 
qualities come to life through tight-knit social networks and a shared pride in our culture and 
traditions. Together, they form the social glue that bridges regional, linguistic, and 
socioeconomic divides and enables Filipinos everywhere to support and uplift one another. 
Today, this identity faces significant challenges arising from rapid social change, increasing 
socioeconomic inequality, and the pervasive spread of disinformation, cynicism, and partisan 
hostility across social media platforms. Communities face growing challenges in finding 
common ground, especially with persisting socioeconomic and regional disparities. These 
trends highlight the need to strengthen shared values and national identity to unite us and give 
us a sense of purpose as a nation. 
Taguig offers an inspiring example of how a community can navigate challenges without losing 
sight of its core values. Once a small town engaged mainly in farming and fishing, Taguig 
weathered numerous crises from the 1970s through the 1990s, emerging at the turn of the 
century as one of Metro Manila’s vibrant central business districts. Throughout this 
transformation, Taguig remained anchored in a clear vision: a faith-based, values-oriented 
society prioritizing health, lifelong learning, and compassionate community-building. 
Drawing from these lessons, the bill aims to instill good values early in our children, inspire 
leaders—whether in government or business—to act with integrity, and open more spaces 
where Filipinos of all faiths can meet, talk, and work together. It will be built into how we teach 
our children, how we train public servants, and how we shape the programs and services of 
government. 
To this end, this bill shall establish a comprehensive National Program on Values, Etiquette, 
and Moral Uprightness which shall provide a centralized framework of Filipino core values; 
implement faith-based, values-oriented training in ethical decision-making and public service; 
and establish clear standards for digital and social etiquette. This bill shall also create the 
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Commission on Filipino Values which is primarily tasked to coordinate with national 
government agencies and the non-government sector to promote just and moral governance, 
and to oversee the National Program’s implementation. 
More than just a set of ideals, this program is meant to be lived and practiced. It will be built 
into how we teach our children, how we train public servants, and how we shape the programs 
and services of government. With the support of an Inter-Faith Council and the help of Values 
Officers in our schools and offices, the program will be implemented where it matters most—
on the ground, in our institutions, and in our daily lives. 
By investing in values education and civic formation, this measure strengthens the ethical 
foundation of public service, fosters active citizenship, and contributes to building a national 
identity anchored on shared ideals. It reminds us that good governance is not only about 
making rules—it’s also about building character, and passing on to future generations a sense 
of who we are and what we stand for as Filipinos. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
JORGE DANIEL S. BOCOBO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2586 
Introduced by HON. JORGE DANIEL BOCOBO 
AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING FILIPINO IDENTITY THROUGH A NATIONAL VALUES, ETIQUETTE, 
AND MORAL UPRIGHTNESS PROGRAM; ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION ON 
FILIPINO VALUES, AND AN INTER-FAITH COUNCIL; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Filipino Identity in Values Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The preamble of the 1987 Constitution articulates the 
aspiration of the Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and 
humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, 
promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves 
and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a 
regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality and peace. 
In essence, the Constitution directs the State to institute policies, implement projects and 
programs, and enact laws that promote and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, 
and social well-being of every Filipino, with special emphasis on the role of the youth in nation 
building through their involvement in public and civic affairs while inculcating patriotism and 
nationalism.  
It is therefore the declared policy of the State that a national program on values, etiquette, and 
moral uprightness, produced and articulated by the Commission on Filipino Values, shall serve 
as a foundational guide for governance, inform the crafting of policy, and be integrated into 
the design and implementation of all government laws, programs, and projects to ensure they 
are aligned with the shared aspirations of the Filipino people. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, the following terms are defined: 
(a)
“National Values” refers to a set of broadly shared ideals and principles, derived
from Filipino cultural traditions, democratic principles, constitutional ideals,
indigenous wisdom, and faith-based systems, that promote the kind of society
envisioned in the preamble of the Philippine Constitution;
(b)
“Etiquette” is the customary code of polite behavior and courtesy to be observed
in society, including online interactions; and
(c)
“Moral Uprightness” refers to the application of national values in the daily
personal and social life of every Filipino which as a nation we should aspire for.


SECTION 4. Establishment of the Commission on Filipino Values. – There is hereby 
established a Commission on Filipino Values, hereinafter referred to as the “Commission.” 
The Commission shall be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), 
and shall be composed of the following members: 
 
(a) 
The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); 
 
(b) 
One (1) representative from the Senate of the Philippines, to be designated by 
the Senate President; 
 
(c) 
One (1) representative from the House of Representatives, to be designated by 
the Speaker of the House; 
 
(d) 
One (1) representative from a reputable academic or professional organization 
with expertise in ethics, philosophy, and values education; 
 
(e) 
One (1) representative from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples 
(NCIP); 
 
(f) 
One 
(1) 
representative 
from 
accredited 
national 
Non-Governmental 
Organizations (NGOs) or Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with a proven track 
record of competence in family and home-based values; 
 
(g) 
One (1) representative from business and commercial organizations; 
 
(h) 
One 
(1) 
representative 
from 
accredited 
national 
Non-Governmental 
Organizations (NGOs) or Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that is respected 
and recognized in the scientific community; 
 
(i) 
One (1) representative from accredited media organizations; 
 
(j) 
At least one (1) representative from different major religious denominations and 
faith traditions, chosen for their recognized work in inter-faith understanding and 
values promotion; and 
 
(k) 
One (1) representative from the youth sector, upon recommendation of youth 
organizations. 
 
The members of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall be 
appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of nominees submitted 
by their respective sectors or organizations, based on criteria ensuring expertise, 
integrity, and commitment to equitable representation and pluralism. 
 
SECTION 5. National Program on Values, Etiquette, and Moral Uprightness; Minimum 
Components of the Program. – A National Program on Values, Etiquette, and Moral 
Uprightness, hereinafter referred to as the “Program”, shall be crafted and periodically updated 
by the Commission, after conducting nationwide consultations, research, and inclusive 
deliberations. 
 
 The Program shall strive for broad consensus and shall be submitted to the President for 
approval. The Commission shall oversee and monitor the implementation of the approved 
Program. The Program, however, shall include the following minimum components: 
(a) 
A centralized framework to reflect foundational Filipino Core Values. 
 


(b) 
A faith-based and values-oriented developmental program that will provide training 
programs and modules that integrate ethical decision-making, accountability, and public 
service rooted in moral uprightness. 
 
(c) 
Clear standards for online and social etiquette education, including the provision of 
modules on digital privacy, empathy in online discourse, and cyber ethics. 
The principles and learning modules derived from the core components enumerated in 
paragraphs (a) to (c) shall be the basis for a unified and holistic national values curriculum. 
The DepEd shall integrate these components into the curriculum of the Good Manners and 
Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education subjects at the basic education level, in 
furtherance of the objectives of Republic Act No. 11476, otherwise known as the “GMRC and 
Values Education Act.” 
 
Furthermore, and in coordination with the Commission, these components shall be 
appropriately adapted and incorporated by the CHED into tertiary-level curricula, by the 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) into vocational and technical 
training programs, and into the professional development and orientation programs for all 
government employees. 
 
SECTION 6. Inter-Faith Council. – There is hereby established an Inter-Faith Council, 
hereinafter referred to as the “Council”, and shall be composed of leaders of religious 
organizations in the Philippines. 
 
The Council shall: 
 
1) 
Meet on a regular basis to discuss morals and values formation, focused on the 
shared ethical principles and values commonly agreed upon among various 
faiths, and such other related matters;  
2) 
Attend regular meetings with the Commission and advise and assist the 
Commission on matters pertaining to religion, faith, morals, values formation and 
education, and such other related matters;  
3) 
Attend regular meetings with the President and advise and assist the President 
on matters pertaining to religion, faith, morals, values formation and education, 
and such other related matters;  
4) 
Provide consultative and advisory services to the various government and private 
agencies on matters pertaining to religion, faith, morals, values formation and 
education, and such other related matters; and 
5) 
Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the President of the 
Philippines relating to religion, faith, morals, values formation and education, and 
such other related matters. 
SECTION 7. Roles and Responsibilities of the Commission, the Presidential Inter-Faith 
Council, and Relevant National Government Agencies (NGAs). – For purposes of this Act, 
the Commission and the Presidential Inter-Faith Council, hereinafter created, and the different 
NGAs shall have the following roles: 
(a) 
Commission – The Commission shall be the lead agency in the implementation 
of this Act. It shall work and coordinate with NGAs and the non-government 
sector in pursuing the goal of establishing a strong foundation for just and moral 
governance. It shall come up with the National Program on Values, Etiquette, 
and Moral Uprightness, pursuant to Section 5 of this Act. 
 


(b) 
Inter-Faith Council – The Council shall serve as the primary advisory body 
tasked with making recommendations to the Commission and to the President 
regarding morals and values formation based on the shared ethical principles 
and values commonly agreed upon among various faiths. It shall design and 
assist in the implementation of values formation programs and projects as stated 
in Sections 7 (c) to (e), 8, and 9 of this Act. 
 
(c) 
Department of Education (DepEd) – The DepEd shall continue to implement 
GMRC and Values Education as core subjects and/or integrated components as 
prescribed in Republic Act No. 11476, otherwise known as the “GMRC and 
Values Education Act.” The content, pedagogy, and learning materials for GMRC 
and Values Education shall be informed, enhanced, and periodically updated by 
the DepEd. DepEd shall integrate the recommendations of the Commission in 
the development of its curriculum to ensure that it remains comprehensive and 
inclusive of diverse perspectives, and utilizes clear, distinct, specific, and 
concrete character-building activities. 
 
(d) 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – The CHED, in consultation with 
the Commission, shall ensure the integration of appropriate subjects or modules 
based on the National Program into tertiary-level curricula. 
 
(e) 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – The 
TESDA, in consultation with the Commission, shall integrate appropriate subjects 
or modules based on the National Program into Technical and Vocational 
Education and Training programs. 
 
SECTION 8. Implementation in All Other Government Offices, Government-Owned and 
Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), NGAs, and Local Government Units (LGUs); 
Voluntary Compliance of Private Entities and Institutions. – All government offices, 
GOCCs, NGAs, and LGUs shall include modules on patriotism, national pride and identity, 
and moral uprightness, including online and social etiquette, in employee orientations or 
training programs and continuing professional development. Appropriate employee seminars 
shall also be regularly held on the aforesaid projects. 
Private entities and institutions, through their respective Human Resources Departments 
(HRD) or equivalent, are encouraged to include modules on patriotism, national pride and 
identity, and moral uprightness, including online and social etiquette, in employee orientation 
and training programs, and to hold activities promoting an ethical and values-driven workplace 
culture. 
 
SECTION 9. Values Officer in Educational Institutions and Government Offices, 
including GOCCs. – It is hereby mandated that all higher education institutions and 
government offices, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, national agencies, and 
local government units, shall designate or appoint at least one (1) Values Officer from their 
existing personnel, or create such a position if deemed necessary and feasible, subject to 
existing civil service rules and regulations. The Values Officer shall oversee the 
implementation of the Program and related policies under this Act within their respective 
offices.  
 
The functions of Values Officers shall include values orientation of new students and new 
hires, and training sessions, seminars, or teach-ins of current employees, among others. 
 
SECTION 10. Non-Discrimination. — The implementation of this Act shall be free from any 
form of discrimination based on religion, belief, ethnicity, gender, social status, or political 
affiliation, and shall uphold the dignity and rights of every individual. 
 


SECTION 11. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act 
shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act or sourced from the internally 
generated income of the public educational institutions. 
 
SECTION 12. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional 
inoperative, the other provisions not so declared shall remain in force and effect. 
 
SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. –  All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts 
thereof inconsistent with the Act or the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto 
are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
SECTION 14. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication 
in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,