WHEREAS, Section 1, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines provides that public office is a public trust and that public officers and employees must, at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives;

WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) No. 6713, otherwise known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees", declares that it is the policy of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in public service and that public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest;

WHEREAS, Section 1 of RA No. 3019, otherwise known as the "Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act", declares that it is also the policy of the Philippine Government, in line with the principle that a public office is a public trust, to repress certain acts of public officers and private persons alike which constitute graft and corrupt practices, or which may lead thereto;