How should public officials utilize their power according to R.A. No. 6713?

Public officials are mandated to utilize their power to serve the public interest, prioritizing the welfare of the community over personal gain. This principle is central to R.A. No. 6713, which emphasizes the significance of selflessness, accountability, and ethical conduct in government service. By focusing on the needs and rights of the public rather than individual interests, officials contribute to building trust and integrity within public service, ensuring that their actions reflect the values of transparency and responsibility.

The other choices focus on personal benefits or management styles that do not align with the ethical standards set forth in the Code of Conduct. Enhancing personal wealth, for example, directly contradicts the ethos of public service, which should prioritize communal well-being. Similarly, creating a favorable image or merely controlling subordinates without a focus on public interest lacks the essential accountability and ethical perspective expected of those in positions of authority. Thus, the correct understanding aligns with the core mission of public service to benefit society at large.