Under what condition can public officials and employees engage in the private practice of their profession?

Public officials and employees are allowed to engage in the private practice of their profession only if it is specifically authorized by the Constitution or law. This provision ensures that their professional engagements do not conflict with their public duties and responsibilities. It reinforces the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity in the public sector.

Engaging in outside work requires adherence to legal and constitutional guidelines, underscoring that the public official’s primary responsibility must always be to serve the public interest. This helps to prevent potential conflicts of interest that could arise during the performance of their official functions.

The other options, such as obtaining colleague approval, financial viability, or simply working after hours, do not provide a lawful basis for engaging in private practice. These conditions may not adequately address potential conflicts of interest or the integrity of the public service role, which is why they do not suffice as valid authorizations according to the ethical standards outlined in R.A. No. 6713.