Which of the following constitutes a conflict of interest?

Having personal gains influence official duties constitutes a conflict of interest because it directly undermines the integrity and impartiality required of public officials and employees. In this context, personal gains occur when an individual's private interests—be they financial, professional, or personal—interfere with their obligation to act in the best interest of the public or their agency. This can lead to biased decision-making, where the official may favor their own interests over those of the community they serve, resulting in a breach of trust and ethical standards outlined in R.A. No. 6713.

In contrast, receiving multiple perspectives on a decision, working alongside individuals with similar values, and volunteering for community service do not create conflicts of interest as they do not involve compromising the impartiality of official duties. Engaging with different viewpoints can enhance decision-making, aligning with ethical standards, while shared values can foster teamwork and collaboration. Volunteering for community service, meanwhile, demonstrates commitment to public welfare and community engagement, which are in line with the ethical responsibilities of public officials. Thus, it is clear that personal gains influencing official duties is a significant concern that R.A. No. 6713 explicitly seeks to address to maintain ethical conduct within public service.