How many signatories should official papers and documents contain at most?

The correct answer reflects the requirement established by Republic Act No. 6713, which governs the behaviors and responsibilities of public officials and employees in the Philippines. According to this law, official documents and papers must contain at most three signatories to ensure accountability and proper oversight. This practice promotes a system of checks and balances, where multiple individuals are involved in the decision-making and approval processes, further enhancing transparency and reducing the likelihood of fraud or misconduct.

The structure of having at least two signatories encourages collaborative decision-making, while the inclusion of a third person allows for an extra layer of scrutiny, which is crucial in the public sector. This standard is designed to promote ethical governance and ensure that public officials uphold their duty to serve the public interest responsibly. Thus, the specification for three signatories signifies a balanced approach to accountability in public administration.