What constitutes a "conflict of interest" for a public official or employee?

A "conflict of interest" arises when a public official or employee has personal or financial interests that could improperly influence their official duties. Option B specifies that being a substantial stockholder in private corporations is a clear conflict of interest because it indicates a financial stake in a company that could benefit from decisions made by the public official or employee. Such a financial interest can lead to situations where the official's actions on behalf of the government may favor their personal investment, compromising their duty to serve the public interest impartially.

This concept is crucial in maintaining transparency and integrity in public service. By delineating a public official's financial interests from their official responsibilities, the law seeks to prevent any undue influence that could arise from private gains affecting public duties. The potential for bias is evident in such situations, reinforcing the importance of avoiding such conflicts to uphold the ethical standards mandated by R.A. No. 6713.

The aspects represented in other options, while potentially concerning, do not strictly fit the definition of a conflict of interest as outlined in the Code of Conduct. Holding multiple public positions can lead to potential issues of overextension or divided loyalties but does not inherently represent a conflict unless it specifically impacts decision-making. Receiving gifts may raise ethical concerns and suggest impro