AFP CODE OF ETHICS

Mission
“To enhance professionalism, promote honesty and integrity in the military service,
instill ethical standards and inculcate a strong sense of public accountability among
military and civilian personnel in the pursuit of a common commitment against graft and
corruption in the PAF”
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS
Inquires into and investigates complaints/reports of violations by military and civilian
personnel of the following existing laws, rules and regulations;
1. RA 6713 (code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and
employees) and the implementing rules thereof;
2. RA 3019, as amended (anti-graft and corrupt practices act);
3. RA 1379, as amended (an act declaring forfeiture in favor of the state any
property found to have been unlawfully acquired);
4. Revised penal code, title seven, crimes committed by public officers (AFP
personnel) in relation to AW 94 (various crimes) and AW 95 (fraud against the
government).
 Files and pursues civil, criminal and administrative cases related to
acts violating the laws mentioned above;
 Collects, analyzes and compiles all sworn statement of assets and
liabilities of military personnel and permanent civilian employees of the
paf;
 Conduct continuous organizational development process to suit OESPA’s
ultimate vision to eradicate graft and corrupt practices in the PAF;
 Conduct continuous education and information dissemination program
among PAF personnel;
 Evolves a master plan which shall establish OESPA’s direction towards
the attainment of its function; and
 Integrates and synthesizes for the CG, PAF all PAF policies and
regulations, as well as, pertinent data gathered from the field units that
have direct bearing on OESPA’s function.
ADDITIONAL TASKING
 Conduct investigation on cases of rape, sexual harassment nd
other sexually-related cases in the AFP per to GHQ
personnel directive # 4 dtd 26 Aug 2008.
 Conduct investigation on cases of rape, sexual harassment
and other sexually-related cases in the AFP per to
GHQ personnel directive # 4 dtd 26 Aug 2008.

PREAMBLE
-ART.I AFP IDENTITY
-ART.II AFP HISTORY
-ART. III AFP CREED AND STAND ON
BASICISSUES
-ART.IV AFP MEMBERSHIP
-ART.V MILITARY PROFESSIONALISM
-ART.VI- AFPCUSTOMS AND TRADITION
- ART. VII GENERAL PROVISION
A substantive, but succinct, digest of all legal, moral and ethical values,
principles, rules and regulations gaining the accomplishment of the military mission.
a) To shape our ideals and aspirations into a definite course of conduct by which we
can live and govern ourselves as professionals.
b) To guide and constantly remind each of us of the delicate and critical role that the
AFP plays in the Filipino society.
c) To establish the ethical standards and norms of conduct by which to measure each of
our performance as soldiers.
Preamble
Provides the reasons for promulgating the code and states the identity, aspirations,
visions, mission and commitment of the AFP.
Article I - IDENTITY
Tells who the AFP is, by whose authority it exist and for whom, by what structure
does it perform its mandated role and how it can measure up to the expectations of the
Filipino people.
(SEC 1)
 Recognizes the constitution of the republic as the legitimate expression of the
people’s will
  Mandated to serve and protect the people and secure the sovereignty of the
state and the integrity of its national territory from internal and external threats
 Adheres to the principle of civilian supremacy over the military
 Vows to uphold and defend the constitution
(Sec 2)
 Created by law as integral part of the executive branch of the Gov’t (President as
the Commander in Chief - exercises control, supervision and authority through a
chain of command headed by the chief of staff).
(Sec 3) –
Maintain a high level of credibility - to gain the trust, confidence and respect of the
Filipino people.
Article II – AFP HISTORY
Tells of the origin and the past of the AFP and the lessons by the AFP from its
past errors and successes.
Article III –
AFP CREED AND STAND ON BASIC ISSUES
States the AFP’s common beliefs and core values. It is a conceptual synthesis of what
the AFP believes in, stands on and fights for. It is, in essence the AFP’s fighting cause
and ideology.
AFP CORE VALUES
 Soldiery is a calling, not merely an employment.
 Military service does not only requires us to have a specialized knowledge/skills,
or physical attributes; but requires us to have a distinct lifestyle.
 Our organization requires us to observe the values of honor, loyalty, valor, duty
and solidarity.
1. HONOR (DANGAL) – Is clear consciousness of personal dignity and worth.
Just by being:
 Truthful,
 Sincere,
 Honest,
 Upright,
 Credible, and
  Avoid deception
2. LOYALTY (KATAPATAN) - The best expression of our fidelity to:
 God
 Country
 Fellowmen
 and our adherence to:
 Democratic principles
 Constitutional mandate and legal authority.
3. VALOR (KAGITINGAN) - Power and strength, courage, endurance to pain and
hardships.
“No one will feel difficulty in life if he is committed to what he is
doing .”

4. DUTY (TUNGKULIN) - Acceptance of responsibility, professionalism and

competence.
- Take responsibility
- Do not blame others for your shortcomings
- Work without being watched
- Love your work
5. SOLIDARITY(PAGKAKAISA) - Unity, cooperation, camaraderie, teamwork,
voluntariness, followership (subordinates) leading, coaching/mentoring on the part of
the leader.
THE AFP STAND ON BASIC ISSUES
The AFP shall at all times uphold supremacy of civilian authority over the military.
- the President as the Commander in Chief
- laws enacted by Congress
- directive of the COMELEC
- subscribe to regulations enacted by the Commission on Audit
concerning the management of funds
AFP Organization – Designed, structured, staffed and manned as to be able to carry
out its mission effectively through the optimum use of resources. It is involved not only
in the defense of the country but also in civil assistance activities during disasters,
calamities and national emergencies.
Chain of Command – Officer and soldier shall obey lawful orders of his immediate
superior. Commanders shall accept responsibility for their actions.
Military Leadership – The military leadership shall have the ability to influence
members of the organizations in the fulfillment of its roles, obligations and functions. It
shall have a sincere concern towards the morale and welfare of the members. It shall
also be credible and be able to promote opportunities for genuine reconciliation and
solidarity for the sake of peace.
Research and Technology – AFP should be the prime mover of research and
technology in the manufacture of armaments and electronic hardware, in aircraft and
shipbuilding and full utilization of indigenous defense materiel based on our belief, care
and attitude in the preservation, protection of our natural resources.
People’s support – AFP firmly acknowledges people’s support as vital in achieving
peace and order.
National development – AFP shall be the people’s partner in promoting peace,
national development and progress.
Partisan politics – AFP recognizes the sanctity of its insulation from partisan politics.
Mass media – AFP shall maintain an “open-media policy”
 Spiritual life – afp shall encourage the practice of one’s religious faith for the
good of the service.
 Family life – afp recognizes that its members are human beings with the same
family obligations as other people.
 Democracy – afp adheres to the principle of democracy that the government is
of the people, by the people and for the people.
 National interest - foremost in the mind of the afp shall be the realization that
national interest serves the common good of the citizenry.
 Peace – is a priceless gift to mankind which connotes freedom from any
hostilities such as political, social and economic ills.
 War – war is defined as the use of organized military force by a state to
achieve its ends against the physical opposition of a hostile state or states.
 Use of armed force – the afp shall exercise the utmost restraint and precaution
in the use of armed force to implement policies.
 Social justice – the afp shall subscribe to the promotion of social justice.
  HUMAN RIGHTS – THE AFP SHALL RESPECT THE INHERENT DIGNITY OF
A HUMAN BEING AND HIS RIGHTS CONTAINED IN THE “UNIVERSAL
DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS” WHICH OUR COUNTRY IS A
SIGNATORY. AFP SHALL PROTECT AND PROMOTE THESE RIGHTS.
ENEMIES OF THE STATE- those who violate the sovereignty of the Philippines as an
independent and democratic state.
- those who shall subscribe to violence as a means to achieve their ends.
- those who do not adhere to the internationally accepted principles of peace,
equality, justice, freedom and friendship.
- those who shall not accept civilian supremacy over the military.
- those who shall dismember the country or any part thereof.
- those who shall foment chaos and disorder and obstruct the achievement of the
common good.
- those engaged in organized crimes.
- those who shall organize the populace for the purpose of alienating their allegiance
from the state.
THE AFP SHALL CONTROL AND SUPPRESS THE ENEMIES OF THE STATE AND
IN COORDINATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, SHALL TRY TO
BRING THEM BACK TO THE MAINSTREAM OF SOCIETY THROUGH
REHABILITATION. IT SHALL TREAT THE ENEMIES OF THE STATE
ACCORDING TO THE LAWS OF THE LAND.
PRINCIPLED CRITIQUES/ CAUSE ORIENTED GROUPS
THE AFP SHALL NOT DISSENT OR LABEL THE PRINCIPLED CRITIQUES
AND / OR CAUSE ORIENTED GROUPS AS A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY
AND / OR ENEMIES OF THE STATE AS DISSENT AND OPPOSITION ARE
IMPORTANT FEATURES TO ENSURE A HEALTHY AND DYNAMIC DEMOCRACY.
Article IV – AFP MEMBERSHIP
STATES WHO COMPOSES THE AFP, CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP AND THE
PROCESSES/ SYSTEMS WITHIN THE AFP
PROCUREMENT SYSTEM.
-EXTREME CARE MUST BE MADE IN THE SETTING OF CRITERIA THAT
SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE SKILLED AND / OR GIFTED APPLICANTS.
PROCUREMENT SYSTEM.
-PROCUREMENT OF PERSONNEL SHALL BE PROPORTIONATELY TAKEN FROM
ALL REGIONS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO IN ORDER TO HAVE EQUITABLE
REGIONAL REPRESENTATION NATIONWIDE.\\
MEBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS.
- COMMISSIONED OFFICERS / ENLISTED PERSONNEL.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
RETENTION OF THE SERVICE.
PROMOTION.
RETIREMENT, SEPARATION BENEFITS.
DEATH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS.
Article V – MILITARY PROFESSIONALISM
PROFESSIONALISM –
- EXPERT APPLICATION OF SPECIALIZED SKILLS
- BASED ON AN ORGANIZED BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
- IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAWS AND / OR CODE OF ETHICS
-WITH HIGHEST DEGREE OF EXCELLENCE IN THE
ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE MISSION.
STANDARDS OF MILITARY PROFESSIONALISM
1. Standards of loyalty
- ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL SHALL BE LOYAL AND TRUE TO THE
- REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES,
- PHIL CONSTITUTION
- AFP
- FILIPINO PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES.
2. STANDARDS OF COMPETENCE
– ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL MUST POSSESS:
- KNOWLEDGE
- SKILL
- PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES AND
- CHARACTER TRAITS
- NECESSARY TO ATTAIN OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF
DUTY AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE MISSION.
3. STANDARDS OF ETHICS
- EVERY SOLDIER MUST OBSERVE AND CONFORM TO ACCEPTED
PRINCIPLES OF RIGHT CONDUCT, AS OBSERVED AND PRACTICED IN
FILIPINO SOCIETY.
4. STANDARDS OF MORALS
- MEMBERS OF THE AFP SHOULD BE DEEPLY AWARE THAT MAN IS A
RATIONAL BEING. MAN IS ALSO A MORAL BEING WHO IS GIVEN THE
CAPACITY TO DETERMINE WHAT IS RIGHT AND DO IT AND WHAT IS
WRONG AND AVOID IT.
UNPROFESSIONAL ACTS
BEHAVIOR THAT FALL SHORT OF THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD SET FORTH
IN THIS CODE.
MAY BE CONSIDERED AS VIOLATION OF EXISTING LAWS, ETHICS,
MORALS & AFP RULES & REGULATIONS.
PENALTIES and ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS:
1) REVISED PENAL CODE
2) ARTICLES OF WAR
3) SPECIAL LAWS
4) AFP RULES AND REGULATION

1. Acts of Disloyalty
ACTS OR OMISSION BETRAYING ONE’S FAITH, DUTY, COMMITMENT TO
GOD, COUNTRY, PEOPLE, CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT, AFP CHAIN
OF COMMAND, UNIT OR OFFICE AND ITS MISSION.
A) COWARDICE, DESERTION, ABANDONMENT OF POST, AWOL, ETC.
B) CONTEMPT OR DISRESPECT BY WORDS OR DEEDS TOWARDS THE
COMMANDER-IN- CHIEF AND APPROPRIATE CIVILIAN AUTHORITIES, ONE’S
SUPERIOR OFFICERS OR NCO.
C) ANY ATTEMPT TO CREATE OR PARTICIPATE IN ANY VIOLENT ACTION
AGAINST THE DULY CONSTITUTED GOVERNMENT.
D) GIVING OR ATTEMPTING TO GIVE AID, PROTECTION, COMFORT,
INFORMATION OR ANY FORM OF SUPPORT TO THE ENEMY OR HIS ALLIES
E) REFUSAL TO EXECUTE DUTY OR TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION DURING
TIMES OF CRISIS SUCH AS SIEGE, UPRISING, MUTINY AND SIMILAR
OCCURRENCES

2. ACTS OF INCOMPETENCE
– REFER TO THE LACK OF REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS,
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES AND CHARACTER TRAITS
NECESSARY FOR ADEQUATE PERFORMANCE OF DUTY AND
ACCOMPLISHMENT OF MISSION

A) FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE MINIMUM PASSING GRADE IN ANY AFP

TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAM
B) INABILITY TO MEET THE PHYSICAL, MEDICAL, MENTAL AND MORAL
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS OF THE SERVICE
C) APATHY, INDIFFERENCE, OR HALF-HEARTEDNESS TOWARDS DUTY

3. UNETHICAL ACTS
– REFER TO ALL ACTS OR OMISSIONS WHICH DEVIATE FROM
ESTABLISHED AND ACCEPTED ETHICAL AND MORAL STANDARDS
OF BEHAVIOR AND PERFORMANCE AS SET FORTH IN THIS CODE.
A) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ENGAGING ONESELF IN OUTSIDE
EMPLOYMENT OR BUSINESS SIDELINES USING GOVERNMENT TIME
UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY PROPER AUTHORITY
B) ARROGANCE IN WORDS, WAYS AND DEEDS INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, UNNECESSARY USE OR DISPLAY OF FIREARMS OR
UNIFORMS OR UNWARRANTED ASSERTION OF RANK, POSITION OR
AUTHORITY
C) ALLOWING ANY WRONGDOING OR IRREGULARITY IN THE MILITARY
SERVICE OR REFUSING OR FAILING TO TAKE ACTION THEREON OR TO
REPORT SAME TO APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES
D) OCCUPYING OTHER POSITIONS IN CONCURRENT CAPACITY TO
OBTAIN INFLUENCE, PRIVILEGES, HONORARIA AND OTHER BENEFITS
INCIDENTAL TO SAID POSITION
E) LOBBYING FOR ANY FAVOR, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
PROMOTIONS, ASSIGNMENTS, POSITIONS AND OTHER PRIVILEGES
PERSONALLY OR THROUGH OTHER PERSONS.
F) ANY ACT OF CIRCUMVENTING AFP RULES, REGULATIONS,
CIRCULARS, DIRECTIVES FOR PURPOSES OF PROCUREMENT,
PROMOTION, SCHOOLING, ASSIGNMENT, AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
G) ALLOWING/ TOLERATING SPOUSES AND DEPENDENTS TO INTERFERE
OR MEDDLE IN OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS
 H) FORNICATION (I.E. ADULTERY, CONCUBINAGE, HOMOSEXUALITY,
LESBIANISM, PEDOPHILIA, ETC)

I) ENGAGING IN VICES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXCESSIVE

GAMBLING, WOMANIZING, EXCESSIVE DRINKING OF INTOXICATING
LIQUOR, USE OF PROHIBITED DRUGS AND THE LIKE
J) SEXUAL HARASSMENT

K) FORUM SHOPPING

L) AIRING GRIEVANCES/ SEEKING TO REDRESS GRIEVANCES

THROUGH TRI-MEDIA

4. Corrupt acts
– ALL ACTS OR OMISSIONS DESCRIBED AND CHARACTERIZED AS
CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC INTEREST, PUBLIC MORALS, PROPERTY,
CHASTITY, CIVIL STATUS OF PERSONS AND HONOR UNDER PERTINENT
PROVISIONS OF THE REVISED PENAL CODE, OTHER LAWS AND AFP
RULES AND REGULATIONS

A) ANY FORM OF CONVERSION, SALE, APPLICATION OR USE OF

GOVERNMENT FUNDS OR PROPERTIES OTHER THAT WHAT THEY
ARE INTENDED FOR
B) ANY FORM OF MANIPULATION OF UNIT OR INDIVIDUAL FUNDS
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MOE, PROJECT MONEY, PAY
AND ALLOWANCES, REMITTANCES TO GSIS, RSBS, PAG-IBIG AND
THE LIKE

c) ANY PARTICIPATION IN OR TOLERATION OF RIGGED BIDDING

D) FALSIFICATION / ALTERATION OF RECORDS / DOCUMENTS TO

JUSTIFY UNWARRANTED ACQUISITION OR DISPOSAL/ SALE OF
GOVERNMENT EQUIPMENT TO FAVOR ANY PARTY INCLUDING HIMSELF

E) ALLOWING/ TOLERATING MILITARY SPOUSES AND DEPENDENTS OR

DUMMIES TO DEAL OR PARTICIPATE IN ANY FORM OF TRANSACTIONS
WITH THE AFP INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BIDDINGS AND THE LIKE

F) UTILIZATION/ DISPOSITION/ EMPLOYMENT OF AFP

PERSONNEL INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FAMILY/ PERSONAL
DRIVERS, HOUSEBOYS, SECURITY GUARDS AND THE LIKE
G) UTILIZATION/ DISPOSITION/ EMPLOYMENT OF AFP MATERIAL
ESOURCES FOR PERSONAL/ FAMILY USE INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO VEHICLES, OFFICE SUPPLIES, POL PRODUCTS

H) RECEIVING/ ACCEPTING/ DEMANDING OR INSINUATING TO

RECEIVE GIFTS IN ANY FORM OR OCCASION Article VI

AFP CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

TELLS HOW THE AFP IS UNIQUE FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

THROUGH ITS VARIOUS CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS.

TRADITIONS
- ARE INHERITED PRINCIPLES, STANDARDS AND PRACTICES
THAT SERVE AS GUIDE FOR INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS. THESE ARE
ACCUMULATED EXPERIENCES AND DEEDS PASSED ON FROM
GENERATION TO GENERATION.
A) TRADITION OF VALOR
B) TRADITION OF DUTY
C) TRADITION OF HONOR
D) TRADITION OF SOLIDARITY
E) TRADITION OF LOYALTY

CUSTOMS
– ARE ACCEPTED PRACTICES REALIZED THROUGH CONTINUED
USAGE THAT TAKE THE FORCE AND EFFECT OF A COMMON LAW
A) SALUTE
B) FLAG RAISING CEREMONY
C) FLAG RETREAT CEREMONY
D) THE THREE VOLLEYS OVER GRAVES
E) THE WHITE FLAG OF TRUCE
F) THE WEARING OF DECORATIONS
G) THE RAISING OF THE RIGHT HAND IN TAKING OATH
H) COURTESY OF THE POST
I) PRESENTATION OF RECRUITS TO COLORS
J) WELCOME/ FAREWELL TENDERED TO A NEWLY ASSIGNED/
DEPARTING OFFICER
K) CEREMONY TENDERED TO A RETIREE
L) PIPE CALLS
M) COURTESY CALLS
N) CALL OF NEWLY PROMOTED GENERALS/ FLAG OFFICERS
O) NEW YEAR’S CALL ON THE COMMANDING OFFICER
P) HAPPY HOUR
Q) MILITARY WEDDINGS
R) PATRONAGE OF THE OFFICERS’ CLUB AND EP’S CLUB HOUSES
S) CEREMONIES AT HOLIDAY DINNERS
T) CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
U) RANK HAS ITS PRIVILEGES
V) VISITING THE SICK
W) SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE TO BEREAVED FAMILY
X) “ I WISH” AND “I DESIRE” STATEMENT
Y) PLACE OF HONOR
Z) USE OF THE WORD “SIR”

ARTICLE VII
AFP CODE OF ETHICS
REQUIRES THAT:
- ALL OF US SHOULD FOLLOW/UPHOLD THE AFP CODE OF
ETHICS AT ALL TIMES
- COMMANDERS SHALL SET AS GOOD EXAMPLE
- VICE COMMANDER /DEPUTY IS THE HEAD OF OESPA
- CHAPLAIN AS MORAL AND SPIRITUAL ADVISER