NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S.B: No. R1
RECEIVED
OATi
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ALAN PETER "COMPANERO*' S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A NATIONAL VALUES, ETIQUETTE, AND MORAL 
UPRIGHTNESS PROGRAM; A COMMISSION ON FILIPINO VALUES; AND AN 
INTER-FAITH PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL, INSTITUTING A FAITH-BASED AND 
VALUES-ORIENTED LEADERSHIP, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked
beareth rule, the people mourn."
Proverbs 29:2
Every leader wants prosperity, and a safe and comfortable life for his or her people. 
However, this aspiration is not only dependent on programs and projects, but on the 
values of the leaders and the nation. A policy aimed at the prosperity, comfort, and 
safety of the people is as much dependent on the actual programs and projects, as to 
the values that are formed as a result of such policy.
Taguig used to be known as a small town engaged in farming and fishing in the 
heart of Metro Manila. But after suffering from crisis after crisis in the 1970's up until 
the 1990's, it has successfully developed into a central business district since the turn 
of the century. Yet, Taguig was a pioneer in faith-based and values-oriented 
leadership, passing a moral uprightness ordinance that prohibited all forms of 
gambling and lewdness, including banning night clubs and motels that were 
notorious for sexual immorality. Instead, Taguig chose to prioritize and spend on 
education, health, and on hard work. In 2010, Taguig had a total collection of Php 1.7 
Billion, an indebtedness of about Php 1.6 Billion, a budget of only Php 5 Million for 
scholarships, and severe lack of medicine for distribution and health facilities. By 
2019, or just after nine years, Taguig had Php 12.6 Billion in collection - more than a 
7 fold increase, no more indebtedness, Php 675 Million for scholarships, free 
medicine delivered to the doorsteps of those in need, 31 PhilHealth-accredited 
Barangay Health Centers, and three Super Health Centers which are open 24/7.
Today, our country is facing a continuing crisis brought about by the 
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and other issues both here and 
abroad. Since the start of 2022, the peso has breached the 55:1 mark and its


depreciation of 7.4 percent is the worst in Southeast Asia.1 To make matters worse, 
the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict has been raising global energy prices and 
wreaking havoc on countries that are dependent on imported oil such as the 
Philippines.2
The crossroad right now for our country is not only one of economic policy, 
but also of the values we wish to carry out as a community, as a nation. Values such 
as integrity, respect for elders, kindness, compassion, and helping others. Online and 
social etiquette is evolving. Hence the importance for Filipinos as a community to 
have universally accepted values that are desired by all and transcend culture and 
time.
As the Philippines develops and our economy tries to heal from the crisis brought by 
the pandemic, it is essential to strengthen our values as a Filipino People. Just as we 
need to ensure that Filipinos have the capability to put food on their tables and have 
roof over their heads, there is an even more pressing need to strengthen our common 
core values and inculcate universally acceptable moral standards. As their leaders, it 
behooves us to lead our countrymen into successful lives and as responsible, law- 
abiding, and patriotic citizens.
This bill seeks to inculcate Filipino and moral values starting at a young age; values- 
oriented and faith-based leadership in all government agencies, including 
government-owned and controlled corporations [GOCCs], and the private sector, and 
inter-faith dialogue and involvement in the national affairs. Hence, there is an 
imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual 
understanding, harmony, and cooperation among Filipinos.
Although a part of this bill was already integrated in Republic Act No. 11476 or 
the Good Manners and Right Conduct Act. We can reap the full benefits if this Act is 
passed.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ALAN PETER "COMPANERO'' S. CAYETANO
1 https://business.inquirer.net/351567/peso-breaches-551-now-aseans-worst-performer
2 https://www.phiIstar.eom/business/2022/06/07/2186660/inflation-sizzIes-54-may-moving-further- 
away-target


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S. B. No. G1
•ILLS A INDEX
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ALAN PETER "COMPANERO" S. CAYETANO
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AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A NATIONAL VALUES, ETIQUETTE, AND MORAL 
UPRIGHTNESS PROGRAM; A COMMISSION ON FILIPINO VALUES; AND AN 
INTER-FAITH PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL, INSTITUTING A FAITH-BASED AND 
VALUES-ORIENTED LEADERSHIP, 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 "National Values, Etiquette, 
and Moral Uprightness Act".
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - As 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, it 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.
It is the policy of the State to pass laws and institute programs that will lead us to this 
kind of society. In pursuing such, it is also the policy of the State to promote and 
protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well being of the youth 
and also recognizes its role in nation building. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism 
and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are 
defined:
(a) 
“National Values” - set of ideals and principles shared by the members of the 
community;
(b) 
“Etiquette” - customary code of behaviour to be observed in a society; and
(c) 
“Moral Uprightness” - conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right 
and wrong.


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SECTION 4. Establishment of the Commission on Filipino Values. - The Secretary 
of the Department of Education (DepEd] as Chairperson, the Commission on Higher 
Education (CHED), a representative from both houses of Congress, together with 
representatives from major religious groups in the country shall conduct a 
nationwide consultation, and through consensus craft a Program on National Values, 
Etiquette and Moral Uprightness.
The Commission shall draft a roadmap for the implementation of the Program, 
which shall be submitted to the President for his approval. The Commission shall 
likewise implement the approved Program.
The Commission shall continue to meet every three (3) years, or as the need 
arises, and shall conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments and impact of this Act, 
as well as the performance, for purposes of updating as needed.
SECTION 5. Institutionalizing National Values, Etiquette, and Moral 
Uprightness in Educational Institutions. - To carry out the above-declared policy, 
teaching of the National program on Values including but not limited to patriotism, 
national pride and identity. Etiquette, Moral Uprightness, and social and online 
etiquette, shall be institutionalized as part of the curriculum in all levels in 
Kindergarten, Elementary, Secondary, Technical-Vocational, and College institutions 
in the country. The teaching of universally accepted Filipino values shall also be 
included in the curriculum, specifically Good Manners and Right Conduct, for 
elementary and high school, and the appropriate subject in other levels.
SECTION 6. Implementation in Workplaces. - All government offices, Government- 
Owned and Controlled Corporations, national agencies, and local government units, 
shall include modules on patriotism, national pride and identity and moral 
uprightness, including online and social etiquette, in employee orientation or training 
programs. Appropriate employee seminars shall also be regularly held on the 
aforesaid projects.
Private entities, 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 or training programs. Appropriate employee seminars may also be held 
on the aforesaid projects.
SECTION 7. Values Officer in Government Offices, including GOCCs. - It is hereby 
mandated that all government offices, Government-Owned and Controlled 
Corporations, national agencies, and local government units, shall have at least one 
(1} Values Officer that will oversee the implementation of the policies under this Act. 
Functions of Values Officers include values orientation of new hires, and training 
sessions, seminars, or teach-ins of current employees, among others.
SECTION 8. Presidential Inter-Faith Council. - There is hereby established a 
Presidential Inter-Faith Council, under the control and supervision of the President, 
which shall be composed of leaders of religious organizations in the Philippines


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The Council shall:
1} meet on a regular basis to discuss matters pertaining to religion, faith, morals, 
values formation and education, 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 9. 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 10. 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 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15} days 
after publication in two [2} national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,