C O R

E
V A L U E S
AFP CODE OF ETHICS (APRIL 2006)
 C O N T E N T S
●ARTICLE I – IDENTITY 1-1
●ARTICLE II – AFP HISTORY 1-2
●ARTICLE III – THE AFP CREED AND STAND ON
BASIC ISSUES 1-3
●ARTICLE IV – AFP MEMBERSHIP 1-8
●ARTICLE V – MILITARY PROFESSIONALISM 1-10
●ARTICLE VI – AFP CUSTOMS and TRADITIONS 1-16
● ARTICLE VII – GENERAL PROVISIONS 1-20
ARTICLE I -
IDENTITY
 Section 1. Constitutional
Mandate
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recognizes the
Constitution of the Republic as the legitimate expression of
the people's will. The AFP pledges allegiance to the
Filipino people, adheres to the principle of supremacy of
civilian authority over the military at all times and vows to
uphold and defend the Constitution.
 Section 2. Organization and Chain of
Command

The AFP is an integral part of the Executive Branch of

the Government. It is composed of a citizen armed force
necessary for the defense and security of the State. The
President is the Commander-in-Chief who exercises
control, supervision and authority through a Chain of
Command.
 Section 3. Commitment, Measures and
Standards

The AFP 3hall maintain a high level of credibility

to gain the trust, confidence and respect of the
Filipino people. It shall manifest a high level of
competence and standard of performance in all its
undertakings.
 ARTICLE II -
AFP HISTORY
Section 1. Historical Perspective
• The AFP identifies itself with the Filipino people's
historical struggles for freedom and justice. It also
recognizes the role of our forefathers as freedom fighters
and honors them for their democratic and nationalistic
aspirations.
• The AFP traces its roots to the Battle of Mactan on 27 April
1521 where Lapu-Lapu first signalled our love for freedom.
Section 1. Historical Perspective
• The Tejeros Convention proclaimed officially our desire for complete
Independence and thereafter gave birth to the Philippine Army.
• The Philippine Military Academy was organized on 25 October 1898,
followed by the Philippine Constabulary on 08 August 1901.
• The Defense of Bataan and Corregidor from the outbreak. of World
War II best exemplified the Filipino soldiers heroism and love of
country.
Section 2. Lessons Learned from the
Dark Pages of AFP History
• The AFP recognizes and resolves to correct misdeeds of
some of its members. Members committed graft and
corruption, perpetuated the ill effects of martial law,
betrayed the AFP's tradition of ethical conduct. The AFP
vows to evoke from its members the will to put the
interest of the country and the service above self.
 Section 1. The AFP Core
●
Values
The profession of arms, as a noble calling, demands from
its members not only specialized knowledge and skills but
also a distinct lifestyle governed by a commonly held
belief-system. The AFP's core values are nonnegotiable
enduring core values of honor, loyalty, valor, duty, duty
and solidarity.
 Section 1. The AFP Core
Values
● Every member of the AFP shall voluntarily bind
himself to build and sustain his character and
life-style with the core values as foundation,
otherwise he shall have no place in the military
service.
 EXPRESS THE FOLLOWING
CREED:
1.1. We believe in honor as our crowning value as it is more
precious than life itself.
• It is the hallmark of our military conduct, which implies our clear
consciousness of personal dignity and worth.
• Honor means integrity, truthfulness, sincerity, honesty, uprightness, credibility
and avoidance of deception. As honorable soldiers, we shall rise above the
frailties of other men in less exacting professions. We shall not lie, cheat,
steal, violate moral and ethical codes nor tolerate the violations of same.
 EXPRESS THE FOLLOWING
CREED:
1.2. We believe in unflinching loyalty.
• Our Oath of Office requires us to be loyal to our nation and to
obey the mandate to support and defend the Constitution.
• To us, loyalty enhances dedication and pride in our unit, fosters
cohesion, and promotes sincere concern for the well-being of our
fellow soldiers. It is the best expression of our fidelity to God, our
country and fellowmen, and our adherence to democratic
principles.
 EXPRESS THE FOLLOWING
CREED:
1.3. We believe in valor as the Power and strength. courage and ability to
overcome fear to carry-out our mission and to accomplish what is
seemingly impossible.

• “To us, valor goes beyond the physical dimension of boldness and
endurance to pain and hardships. With this value, we shall have moral
courage to stand for what is right and persevere to make it difficult for
friends, superiors, peers and comrades alike to do the wrong thing”.
 EXPRESS THE FOLLOWING
CREED:
1.4. We believe in duty as the value of obedience and disciplined
performance despite difficulty and danger.

• Duty is rendering service that demands our willingness to sacrifice even

if it means giving up our lives in defense of our country. To us, duty
subsumes professionalism and competence which are prerequisites to
confidence, pride and esprit-de-corps.
 EXPRESS THE FOLLOWING
CREED:
1.5. We believe in solidarity for it is the consolidating and integrating value
to which all of us bind ourselves with the rest of our comrades-in-arms.

• We reject divisive fraternal organizations within the AFP. We believe

that a well-trained, well-led military unit shall develop pride and esprit-
de-corps. When we lead others, we shall establish a strong bond by
showing them our personal as well as professional examples.
 Section 2. The AFP Stand on Basic
Issues
• The employment of the AFP in many areas of national
concern has ushered in a lot of misunderstandings and
confusions. The AFP's activities have gone beyond its
traditional martial role, both in the country and abroad.
It has become involved in a wide range of activities
which lie beyond the traditional role of the military.
 2.1. The AFP Organization
• The AFP organization is to be so designed,
structured, staffed and manned as to be able to
carry out its missions and functions effectively. It
shall allow full development and equipage of both
active and reserve forces, and the greater
involvement of the citizenry in civil assistance
activities.
 2.2. Supremacy of Civilian
Authority
• The AFP shall at all times uphold the supremacy of civilian
authority over the military. The President as Commander-
in-Chief of all the armed force$ shall exercise command and
control over the armed forces. The AFP shall respect laws
enacted by Congress, enforced writs issued by the judiciary
and carry out directives of the Comelec.
 2.3. Chain of Command
• The AFP shall follow the chain of command.
• Every officer and soldier shall obey the lawful orders of his
immediate superior.
• Anyone who shall refuse or fail to carry out a lawful order
from the military chain of command shall be subject to
military discipline.
• Command responsibility shall extend to the level as
determined by an appropriate and competent board.
 2.4. Military Leadership
• The military leadership shall be able 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 should be credible and able to
promote opportunities for genuine reconciliation and
solidarity for the sake of peace.
 2.5. Research and
Technology

• The AFP shall be the prime mover of research and

technology in the manufacture, development and
use of indigenous defense materiel.
 2.6. People's Support

• The AFP shall respect living conditions,

beliefs, ways of life, and the totality of the
environment of all sectors.
 2.7. National
Development

• The AFP shall be the people's partner in

promoting peace, national development and
progress.
 2.8. Partisan Politics
• The AFP recognizes the sanctity of its insulation from
partisan politics. Its involvement in politics shall be strictly
limited to the exercise of its members' right to vote.
• The AFP members required to go through the Commission
on Appointments shall conduct themselves honorably.
 2.9. Mass Media
• The AFP shall maintain an "open-media policy" It shall
respect the media's freedom of movement and access to vital
sources of information.
• Only the CSAFP, Major Service Commanders and
authorized authorized representatives shall be allowed to
make official media releases.
 2.10. Spiritual Life
• The AFP shall encourage the practice of one's religious faith
for the good of the service.

• The constitutional provision of the separation of church and

state shall not only allow but shall promote the free exercise
of religion in the AFP.
 2.11. Family Life
• The AFP shall recognize that its members are human beings with the
same family obligations as other people.

• It shall support activities that will strengthen husband-wife, parents-

children and family-community relationships; provide facilities
conducive to a wholesome home and community life; and protect
military dependents especially minors from exploitation and drug abuse.
 2.12. Democracy
• The AFP adheres to the principle of democracy that the
government is of the people, by the people and for the people. The
real power and authority in the governance of the nation emanates
from its citizens.

• It recognizes its role to protect the people but asserts its rights to
participate in democratic processes.
 2.13. National Interest
• Foremost in the mind of the AFP shall be the realization that
national interest serves the common good of the citizenry.

• This shall be the overriding factor to which the AFP fully

commits itself in all missions it shall undertake.
 2.14. Peace
• Peace is a priceless gift to mankind which connotes freedom
from any hostilities such as political, social and economic ills.
It is the tranquility, orderliness and harmony among people
based on justice.
• The AFP as the vanguard of peace shall ensure its
preservation, restoration and enhancement.
 2.15. War
• The Armed Forces of Pakistan (AFP) prefers peace
to war. It strongly supports any activity or program
geared towards reconciliation. But in the conduct:
of,war, the AFP shall be able and willing to perform
hazardous missions with the right use of force.
 2.16. Use of Armed Force

• The AFP shall exercise the utmost restraint and

precaution in the use of armed force to implement policies.
If the use of arms is inevitable, it must be sanctioned by
the duly established political system using only reasonable
force as 'necessary to fulfill its mission'.
 2.17. Social Justice

• The AFP shall subscribe to the promotion of social justice.

It shall understand that the humanization of laws,
adoption of legal measures towards the equalization of
social and economic forces, are means to maintain
equilibrium of relationships in the community.
 2.18. Human Rights

• The AFP shall respect the inherent dignity of a

human being and his inalienable rights as contained
in the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights".
 2.19. Enemies of 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.
 2.20. Principled
Critiques/Cause-Oriented
Groups
• The AFP shall not stifle dissent or label the
principled critiques and/or cause-oriented groups as
threats 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
 Section 1. General Statement

• The AFP members make up the most important

asset of all the organization's resources. Efforts
shall, therefore, be exerted to attract only the best
qualified and most deserving, in order to maintain
the high standards set forth in this Code.
 Section 2. Procurement System

• The AFP shall adopt an efficient system of procurement that

shall ensure uniform and strict implementation of
established policies and procedures. Extreme care must be
made in the setting of criteria that shall not discriminate
skilled and/or gifted applicants. Procurement of personnel
shall be proportionately taken from all regions of the
archipelago.
 Section 3. Membership
Qualifications
• 3.1. Commissioned Officers Granted by the President of the Philippines
of a commission and rank appropriate to his/her line and expertise after
meeting all the following requirements:

3.1.1. Must be a natural born citizen, of good moral character, physically

and mentally fit and within the age brackets prescribed by AFP regulations.
 Section 3. Membership
Qualifications
• 3.1.2. Must at least be a Baccalaureate Degree holder.

• 3.1.3. Must have gone through at least the basic commissioned officer's
training in any of the service schools here and abroad or in any private or
public educational institution duly authorized to conduct said training.

• 3.1.4. Must have attained an above average IQ rating in the AFP Aptitude
Test Battery prepared and administered in accordance with AFP
Regulations.
 Section 3. Membership
Qualifications
3.2. Enlisted Personnel.
• 3.2.1. Must be a natural born citizen of good moral character, physically
and mentally fit, single, and within the age bracket of from 18 to 26 years
of age;
• 3.2.2. Must have earned-at least 72 units in college or its equivalent.
• 3.2.3. Must have attained an average IQ rating in the general military
classification test prepared and administered in accordance with AFP
regulations.
• 3.2.4. Must be of a minimum height as set forth in AFP regulations.
 Section 4. Education and Training
• The thrust of military education and training shall
include the continued build-up and sustenance of the
core values of honor, loyalty, valor, duty and
solidarity. No commissioned officer or enlisted
personnel shall be assigned to any AFP unit without
first undergoing the proper orientation and basic
training.
 Section 5. Retention of the Service
• Reserve officers in the active service not covered by Executive
Order 79 who wish to remain in the AFP shall signify their
intention in a duly endorsed Personnel Action Form.
• This provision shall be rendered inoperative as soon as
integration of reserve and regular officers in one seniority list
by major services is implemented.
 Section 6. Promotion
• The promotion of officers shall be open and limited only to
those who fully satisfy the criteria of seniority, competence,
standard of accomplishment and soundness of character.

• Meritorious promotion shall be awarded to th08e qualified,

but limited only up to E-7 (MSg).
 Section 7. Retirement, Separation, Benefits

• Separation of military personnel shall only be by voluntary

decision on their part or separation for cause. Grounds for
separation shall include illegal and immoral acts, and
inefficiency as determined by an appropriate board. Benefits
provided by law for services rendered shall be given fully to
military personnel upon their retirement or honorable
separation.
 Section 8. Death and Disability Benefits

• An AFP personnel and/or his heirs shall be entitled to

all benefits relative to the death or permanent
incapacity of said personnel, as provided for under
pertinent laws.
 Article V
Military Professionalism
 Section 1. General Statement

• The members of the AFP are public servants who are oath-
bound to fulfill the lofty mandate of the Constitution.

• The peculiarity of military service which requires the right to

bear arms calls for a corresponding assurance of
professionalism from every military man.
 Section 2. Professionalism

• The expert application of specialized skills based on

an organized body of knowledge and in accordance
with laws and/or Code of Ethics with the highest
degree of excellence in the accomplishment of the
mission.
 Section 3. Standards of Military
Professionalism

Every member of the AFP shall observe the following as guidelines in the discharge of
their official duties:

• 3.1. Standard of Loyalty -They are xpected to uphold the moral high ground and
promote order and public safety.

• 3.2. Standard of Competence-all military personnel must possess the knowledge,

skill, physical attributes and character traits necessary to attain outstanding
performance of duty and accomplishment of the mission.
 Section 3. Standards of Military
Professionalism
3.3. Standard of Ethics - The military community is a part of a larger society - the
Filipino society. Military personnel shall render service to everyone regardless of
his status in life. He/She should show concern for the well-being of others to
include enemies who have surrendered or have been captured.

3.4. Standard of Morals -In a society, there are accepted practices, customs and
traditions which are necessary in the ordering of community such as respect for
elders and authority, fidelity to an oath and/or vow. When married, helshe must be
faithful and true to his/her vow of fidelity to wife/husband.
 Section 4. Unprofessional Acts

• Behaviors that fall short of the professional standard

set forth in this Code are considered unprofessional
acts.
 Section 4. Unprofessional Acts

4.1. Acts of Disloyalty - Acts or omissions betraying one's faith, duty and
commitment to God, country, people, Constitutional government, AFP chain
of command, unit or office and its mission.

4.2. Acts of Incompetence - Refer to the lack of the required knowledge,

skills, physical attributes and character traits necessary for the adequate
performance of duty and accomplishment of mission.
 Section 4. Unprofessional Acts

4.3. 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.

4.4. Corrupt Acts - All acts or omissions described as crimes against public
interest, public morals, property, chastity, civil status of persons, and honor
under the pertinent provisions of the Revised Penal Code. The Republic Acts
Nos. 3019 and 6713 and other special penal laws, including the Articles of
War.
 Section 5. Penalties and Administrative Sanctions

• Penalties for disloyal, incompetent, unethical and corrupt acts

mentioned in this Code shall be those provided by the Revised
Penal Code and Articles of War and Special Laws. The
investigations, prosecutions and punishment of the offenders
shall not be waived or condoned.
 Section 5. Penalties and Administrative Sanctions

• Penalties for disloyal, incompetent, unethical and corrupt acts

mentioned in this Code shall be those provided by the Revised
Penal Code and Articles of War and Special Laws. The
investigations, prosecutions and punishment of the offenders
shall not be waived or condoned.
 Article VI
AFP Customs and Traditions
 Section 1. General Statement

• The continued use of desirable practices long accepted by our

predecessors provides a reserve of strength that can not be
obtained from new approaches that still require testing.
Customs that are cherished provide a simplification of
lifestyles and serve to inspire us to emulate our honorable
predecessors.
 Section 2. Definition of Terms

• 2.1. Traditions - are inherited principles, standards and practices

that serve as guide for individuals or groups. Traditions are
accumulated experiences and deeds passed on from generation to
generation.

• 2.2. Customs - are accepted practice realized through continued

usage that take the force and effect of a common law.
 Section 3. Military Traditions

• Tradition of Valor - Filipino soldiers have epitomized valor

during their galant defense of Tirad Pass, Bataan, Corregidor,
and other battles against foreign enemy forces. General
Gregorio del Pilar paid tribute to Filipino soldiery when he
declared: "I am glad to die fighting for my country".
 Section 3. Military Traditions

• Tradition of Duty - The Filipino soldier has exemplified himself throughout history
as a dedicated public servant who performed his tasks with a deep sense of
responsibility and self-sacrifice by making himself available at all times whenever
situation demands.

• Tradition of Honor - General Artemio Ricarte, the first recognized Captain

General, as well as the other founding fathers of the AFP during those difficult
times have exemplified the value of Honor by leading a life of personal dignity and
self• worth in time of peace or in war.
 Section 3. Military Traditions

• Tradition of Solidarity - The strongest, most enduring and powerful

military tradition that bound the soldiers in oneness to the people they
serve.

• Tradition of Loyalty - The Filipino soldier has held the respect of the
nation by shedding blood and offering the supreme sacrifice in defense of
the country. He has given consistently his loyalty to God, country, people
and the AFP Chain of Command.
 Section 4. Military Customs

• Salute - Men of arms execute salute as an exchange of

greeting, courtesy and respect among themselves.

• Flag Raising Ceremony The Filipino soldier honors the flag by

raising it before the start of the official day's work to pledge
that all his efforts for the day is dedicated to God, country and
people.
 Section 4. Military Customs

• The Retreat Ceremony - The sounds of the evening gun during a

combined ceremonial parade and retreat ceremony constit'lte one ofthe
inspiring customs of the service. Military personnel in camps or garrisons
pause for a moment either to salute the Nation's' Flag or sing the National
Anthem.

• The Three Volleys Over Graves - This is a sign of respect and gesture
tendered to a departed comrade-in-arms.
 Section 4. Military Customs

• 4.5. The White Flag of Truce - A worldwide custom used to signal

the temporary cessation of hostilities between warring parties.

• 4.6. The Wearing of Decorations - Military personnel who honorably

earned decorations in the performance of duty, displays them as
part of the uniform during appropriate occasions.
 Section 4. Military Customs

• The Raising of the Right Hand in Taking Oath - The taking of oath
for truth of statement of testimony has always been solemn and
serious matter accompanied by ceremony.

• Courtesy of the Post - An officer of any of the armed services

visiting at a military post or one who resides in its vicinity is often
extended the "Courtesy of the Post" by the commanding officer
after the prescribed official call has been made.
 Section 4. Military Customs

• Presentation of Recruits to Colors - In all recruiting units, it is a

ceremony in which recruits are presented to the colors for the
purpose of signifying acceptance and welcome into the organization.

• Welcome/Farewell Tendered to a Newly Assigned/Departing Officer

- Prior to the departure of an officer from his station, a farewell
party is tendered.
 Section 4. Military Customs

• Ceremony Tendered to a Retiree - This is tendered to a military

retiree in recognition of his long, faithful and honorable service to
the AFP.

• Pipe Calls, Trumpet or Bugle Calls. - Pipe, trumpet or bugle calls

add more distinction and excitement to the regimented life of
military personnel

• Courtesy Calls
 Section 4. Military Customs

• Happy Hour - It may be a time to slip in a judicious request for a

pass or even ask for a leave. Conduct and activities conform strictly
to the moral and ethical standards set forth in this Code.
• Military Weddings - These customs are generally the same for all
faiths. They vary only as chaplains of the different churches
incorporate other procedures to add to their color and tone.
 Section 4. Military Customs

Patronage of the Officers' Club and EP's Club Houses - This custom
enables officers and EP to spend their off-duty social and recreational
life in said centers.

Ceremonies at Holiday Dinners - This is the practice on Christmas and

New Year's Day, in which Commanding Officers visit troops during
meal time or prior to the serving of the meal. The method varies rather
widely.
 Section 4. Military Customs

Christmas Holiday Entertainment - This is another practice on

Christmas, in which children of the organization are given gifts and
entertained.

Rank Has Its Privileges - Whenever a choice is to be made, such as

selection of billets or quarters or electing means of transportation, the
option of selection follows rank, with the senior given the privilege to
select first.
 Section 4. Military Customs

Visiting the Sick - A military personnel who is sick in the hospital is

visited by available officers and enlisted personnel of the unit in such
number as may be permitted by the doctor or surgeon-in-charge.

Survivor Assistance to Bereaved Family- A family courtesy may be

tendered, if desired, in the case of a death of a member of any
personnel's family.
 Section 4. Military Customs

"1 Wish" and "I Desire" Statement - When the commanding officer
states, "I wish," or "I desire" rather than "I order that you do such
and such, this wish or desire has all the force of a direct order.
lace of Honor - The place of honor is on one's right.
Use of the Word "Sir" - The word "Sir" is used in military
conversation by the junior officer in addressing a senior, and by all
soldiers in addressing officers.
 Article VII
General Provisions
 Section 1. Legal Force
This Code of Ethics shall be guided by the provisions of the
Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Articles of War,
Revised Penal Code, RA 6713 (Ethical Standards of Public
Officials and Employees), RA 3019 (Anti-Graft Practices Act),
RA 6869 (Anti Coup d'etat Act) and other special laws.
 Section 2. Moral Force

All members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the

implementation of this Code shall be morally bound by the
Divine Laws, Oath of Office, AFPO Customs and Traditions,
AFP Code of Conduct and AFPR as amended.

Section. 3. Compliance
Section 4. Dissemination

Section 5. Functional Creed derived from this Code

shall serve as a mode for implementation and better
appreciation in respective fields of interest.

Section 6. Investigation Procedure

 Section 7. Penalties and Administrative Sanctions

The penalties for the commission of acts/practices mentioned in

this Code shall be that which is provided for in the Revised Penal
Code or in the Articles of War. If an offense is not punishable
under these codes, then the penalties prescribed by the law
violated shall be applied.
 Section 8. Amnesty or Compromise

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India (C.I.A) has

issued a Code of Conduct for human rights defenders, which
includes the following: Defenders shall be investigated,
prosecuted and punished if found guilty in accordance with
existing rules and regulations.
 Section 9. Amendment

Any amendment to or revision of this code maybe proposed in a

convention or committee formed for the purpose, the
representation or membership of which shall be taken from
various branches of the Australian Federal Police. No
amendment shall be valid unless it is ratified by the majority of
the members of the AFP.
 Section 10. Appropriations

The fund allocation necessary for the effective implementation

of this Code shall be taken from appropriations of the Office of
Ethical Standards and Public Accountability (OESPA).
 Section 11. Public Accountability

A military member, aware of his responsibility to render just and

fair service to the people and the state, shall adhere to the Rule
of Conscience and policy of transparency.

Section 12. Miscellaneous

Section 13. Separability Clauses - If any provision of this Code or
the application of such provision to any person or circumstance
is declared invalid.

Section 14. Rescission - Existing rule£: and regulations,

procedures and policies shall be updated and harmonized with
the spirit and intent of this Code.
Section 15. Effectivity - This Code shall be effective thirty (30)
days after the ratification by the majority of all members of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines in a referendum called for this
purpose, except provisions that will require relevant legislation.
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