What should public officials avoid while performing their official duties?

Public officials are expected to uphold high ethical standards in order to maintain public trust and confidence in their actions. One of the key principles outlined in R.A. No. 6713 is the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest while performing official duties. A conflict of interest arises when a public official's personal interests—such as financial gain, relationships, or other affiliations—could improperly influence their decisions or actions in their official capacity. This can undermine the integrity of their role and lead to decisions that do not serve the public interest.

By actively avoiding situations that could create conflicts of interest, public officials demonstrate their commitment to ethical behavior and accountability. This is crucial for ensuring that their decisions are not tainted by personal biases or benefits, thus reinforcing the principle of transparency and fairness that is central to public service. In contrast, engaging in leisure activities, encouraging public visits, or maintaining a public presence may not inherently compromise their ethical obligations, provided these actions do not intersect with personal interests that could lead to bias in their official duties.