What does the term "person" refer to in the context of public officials and employees?

In the context of public officials and employees as defined by R.A. No. 6713, the term "person" encompasses both natural persons and juridical entities. Natural persons refer to individual human beings, while juridical entities include organizations, corporations, partnerships, and other legal constructs that can bear rights and obligations under the law. This broad definition is significant because it ensures that the ethical standards outlined in the Code of Conduct apply not only to individual public officials and employees but also to the organizations they may represent or which may engage in activities related to public service.

By including both categories, the law acknowledges the complexity of public interactions and accountability, thereby promoting a comprehensive approach to ethical behavior in the public sector. This inclusive definition is essential for fostering a culture of integrity and responsibility, as it holds all entities, regardless of their form, to the same ethical standards expected of individual public servants.