REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

2703

House Bill No,

Introduced by Kabataan Party-List Representative Terry L, Ridon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Corruption has been, and continues to be, one of the biggest problems besetting our
nation. There is no shortage of anti-corruption laws and other initiatives in the country, yet
cases of malpractices and abuse of power have been far too common -- from frontline
services to the highest post in the land, Only a few have been prosecuted for bad practices
in government, People of questionable integrity continue to hold public office and still have
access to the coffers of the nation. Billions of pesos are lost each year to corruption, which
means that there are less resources available for social services.

Studies suggest that one of the best deterrents to corruption is active citizen
engagement in civic affairs. There is a need to create an army of watchdogs against bad
practices in government, and the youth -- with our idealism and vigor -- have a significant
role to play in good governance and in battling corruption, abuse of power, and the inefficient
delivery of services.

This bill seeks to educate our elementary and high school students on good
governance, ethics and accountability in public service by including such topics in the basic
education social studies curriculum, particularly Article XI of the Philippine Constitution
Accountability of Public Officers, Republic Act Nos. 3019 and 6713, the Anti-Graft and
Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials
and Employees,

The bill is pursuant to and is consistent with the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Section
13, Article II states: “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building... It
shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in
public and civic affairs". Section 3(2) of Article XIV mandates educational institutions to
inculcate patriotism and nationalism, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, and
strengthen ethical values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage
critical thinking

Educating our children on the ideals of public service and its best practices will

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encourage them to get involved in public and civic affairs. Including in our basic curriculum
the topics of good governance, ethics and accountability will inculcate to our youth the
importance of efficient and moral leadership. Even at an early age, our youth should be
empowered to engage their leaders and contribute to social development. In the long term,
the bill aims to provide the knowledge for future voters to make sound decisions in choosing
candidates to elect in public office, and more so, to create model citizens and a large reserve
of public servants who, with the ideals of patriotism, justice, responsibility and integrity are
accountable to and are in service of the Filipino people

In pursuit of an education that serves the interest of the people, and to battle
corruption, abuse of power and inefficient delivery of social services, the immediate passage
of this bill is earnestly sought.

fepresentative, Kabataan Party-list


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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2703

House Bill No

Introduced by Kabataan Party-List Representative Terry L: Ridon

ANACT
PROVIDING FOR THE INCLUSION OF TOPICS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE, PUBLIC
ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC SERVICE IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
CURRICULA IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

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 and be cited as the "Good
Governance

jucation Act"

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policies. - The State recognizes the vital role of the youth

in nation building. the State encourages the youth's involvement in public and civic affairs
and shall educate them both about good governance, ethics and accountability in public

service.

SECTION 3. Good Governance Education. ~ The Department of Education shall
integrate in the social science curriculum of primary and secondary school students good
governance topics including but not limited to:

a. Article XI of the 1987 Constitution - Accountability of Public Officers;

b. RA. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employes

¢. RA, 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act

SECTION 4. Implementing Agency. ~ The Department of Education shall formulate
materials and integrate in the social studies curriculum for primary and secondary education

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such materials in pursuance of this Act

SECTION 5. Funding - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be charged to the appropriations of the Department of Education. Thereafter, such sum
as may be necessary for its continuous implementation shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision or part thereot, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not othenwise affected shall remain
valid and subsisting.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or is inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivily Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifleen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation,

Approved,