What should public officials do when facing a conflict of interest?

When public officials face a conflict of interest, the appropriate course of action is to disclose it and take appropriate action. This is fundamental to maintaining transparency and integrity within the public service sector. R.A. No. 6713 emphasizes the importance of public officials acting in the public interest, which includes the obligation to avoid situations where personal interests could improperly influence their official duties.

By disclosing a conflict of interest, public officials not only adhere to ethical standards but also foster trust within the community they serve. It allows for necessary steps to be taken, whether that means recusing oneself from decision-making processes or seeking guidance on how to navigate the interests involved.

The alternative choices undermine this ethical framework. Ignoring a conflict of interest could lead to unethical decisions that harm the public trust and violate the Code’s provisions. Consulting only family members fails to provide the objective perspective necessary for resolving such issues and does not align with the expectation of professional accountability. Additionally, taking no action if a situation benefits the official directly contradicts the principles of ethical conduct, as it prioritizes personal gain over public service. Thus, disclosing and addressing conflicts of interest is vital for the ethical conduct expected from public officials.