According to R.A. No. 6713, what must public officials do to maintain public service ethics?

Public officials are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct in both their public and private lives to maintain the standards of public service ethics. This comprehensive approach ensures that their actions reflect the ethical standards expected of them, regardless of the context. The rationale is that public officials represent the government and the trust vested in them by the public extends beyond their formal duties while in office. Their behavior in private life can affect public perception and trust in government, making it crucial for them to uphold ethical conduct at all times.

This principle underscores the expectation that public officials should not engage in conduct that may compromise their integrity or the integrity of their office, whether they are acting in an official capacity or in their personal lives. The broader applicability of the Code helps to deter unethical behavior that could arise from personal circumstances that conflict with their duties as public servants, thereby reinforcing the value of transparency and accountability in all aspects of their lives.