PREAMBLE IDENTITY AFP HISTORY AFP CREED AFP MEMBERSHIP MILITARY PROFESSIONALISM AFP CUSTOMS AND TRADITION GENERAL PROVISIONS

WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES, IMPLORING ENLIGHTENMENT FROM ALMIGHTY GOD, IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION, WORTHY OF PUBLIC TRUST AND RESPECT, FAITHFUL TO ITS CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE AS THE PROTECTOR OF THE PEOPLE, THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE STATE, THE DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE NATIONAL TERRITORY, FREELY AND COLLECTIVELY COMMIT OURSELVES AS OUR WAY OF LIFE, TO ABIDE BY AND ADHERE TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CODE OF ETHICS WHICH WE HEREBY DO ORDAIN.

ARTICLE I – IDENTITY

SECTION 1. CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE –

THE AFP RECOGNIZES THE CONSTITUTION OF THE

REPUBLIC OF THE PHIL AS THE LEGITIMATE

EXPRESSION OF THE PEOPLE’S WILL.

SECTION 2. ORGANIZATION AND CHAIN

OF COMMAND – THE AFP IS DULY CREATED BY LAW

AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

OF THE GOVERNMENT. IT IS A WELL ORGANIZED AND

DISCIPLINED BODY COMPOSED OF A CITIZEN ARMED

FORCE NECESSARY FOR THE DEFENSE AND

SECURITY OF THE STATE. IT IS HEADED BY THE

PRESIDENT AS THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.

SECTION 3. COMMITMENT, MEASURES AND STANDARDS. – THE AFP SHALL MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF CREDIBILITY TO GAIN THE TRUST, CONFIDENCE AND RESPECT OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE.

ARTICLE II - AFP HISTORY

THE AFP IDENTIFIES ITSELF AS THE FOREFRONT OF DEMOCRACY OF FREEDOM ACROSS THE LAND, WITHOUT THE AFP OR ANY ARMED FORCES OF FREEDOM LOVING NATIONS OF THE WORLD, THERE WILL BE CHAOS AND CIVIL DISTURBANCE. THE ORGN OF THE AFP STARTED WHEN OUR FOREFATHERS DREAM OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY FROM FOREIGN INTERVENTION:

27 APR 1521 - WHERE LAPU-LAPU OF CEBU, THE ACKNOWLEDGE LEADER OF AFP FIRST SIGNALED OUR LOVE FOR FREEDOM.

1744 - DAGOHOY REVOLT OF BOHOL, FOLLOWED BY THE MUSLIM RESISTANCE AND OTHER SIMILAR UPRISING AGAINST SPANISH COLONIALISM MANIFESTING OUR FIGHT AGAINST FOREIGN DOMINATION.

07 JUL 1892 - ANDRES BONIFACIO CONSIDERED AS THE FATHER OF PA WHO EXEMPLIFIED FILIPINO SOLIDARITY.

22 MAR 1897- TEJEROS CONVENTION WHICH PROCLAIMED OFFICIALLY OUR DESIRE FOR COMPLETE INDEPENDENCE AND THERE AFTER GIVE BIRTH TO THE FOUNDING OF THE PA.

12 JUN 1898- THE PHIL INDEPENDENCE

WAS DECLARED AT KAWIT, CAVITY BY GEN EMILIO

AGUINALDO THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE

REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT.

21 DEC 1935- THE NATIONAL DEFENSE

ACT WAS ENACTED OFFICIALLY, TO CREATE THE

AFP. SINCE THEN, THE AFP CONTRIBUTED A LOT TO

PEACE KEEPING ESPECIALLY IN FOREIGN LAND LIKE

KOREA, SOUTH VIETNAM, CONGO, AFRICA NOW TO

EAST TIMOR, LIBERIA AND OTHER PARTS OF THE

WORLD WHERE PEACE KEEPERS ARE NEEDED.

ARTICLE III - THE AFP CREED AND STAND ON BASIC ISSUES

SECTION I: THE AFP CORE VALUES

THE PROFESSION OF ARMS IS A NOBLE UNDERTAKING WHERE BOYS BECAME MAN AND MORE DISCIPLINED AND HAVE A DISTINCT LIFESTYLE THAT ANY OTHER MEMBERS OF AN ORGANIZATION IN A SOCIETY. AFP MEMBERS HAD NON-NEGOTIABLE ENDURING CORE VALUES. THIS SYSTEM GUIDES THE MEMBERS IN PERFORMING THEIR DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS WITHOUT CREATING ANY MALICIOUS BEHAVIOR TOWARDS THE DULY CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY OF OUR GOVERNMENT:

1. HONOR - IT IS THE CROWNING VALUE THAT A MILITARY PERSONNEL MUST POSSESSES BECAUSE IT IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN LIFE. MORESO, A PERSON LIVING IN A SOCIETY WITHOUT HONOR, HE BETTER RESIGNS FROM HIS POSITION FOR IT WILL ONLY DAMAGE THE REPUTATION OF THE ORGANIZATION WHERE HE BELONGS.

2. LOYALTY - OUR OATH OF OFFICE, REQUIRES US TO BE LOYAL AND TO FOLLOW ALL LEGAL ORDERS FROM THE CHAIN OF COMMAND, WE MUST DEFEND THE DULY CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY NO MATTER WHAT.

4. DUTY - EVERY SOLDIER MUST BE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THEIR ASSIGNED TASK AND DUTIES, IN EVERY MOVE THEY MAKE, THEY MUST BE WELL VERSED AND KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN THEIR PRESENCE AND ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED.

5. SOLIDARITY- ESPRIT-DE-CORP, SOLID BONDING IN THE ORGANIZATION, THERE IS A SAYING THAT “UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL”, THIS SAYING IS PROVEN THAT EVEN OUTNUMBERED BUT UNITED, WE CAN STILL DEFEAT OVERWHELMING ENEMIES WHO ARE DIVIDED AND HAVE DIFFERENT FORESIGHTS AND BELIEVE IN THEIR ASSIGNED MISSIONS.

SECTION 2: THE AFP STAND ON BASIC ISSUES

1. THE AFP ORGANIZATION - THE ORGANIZATION SHALL BE SO DESIGNED, STRUCTURED, STAFFED AND MANNED AS TO BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT ITS MISSIONS AND FUNCTIONS EFFECTIVELY. IT NEEDS ALSO THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF THE CITIZENRY NOT ONLY IN THE DEFENSE OF THE STATE BUT ALSO IN CIVIL ASSISTANCE ACTIVITIES DURING DISASTERS, CALAMITIES AND NATIONAL EMERGENCIES.

2. SUPREMACY OF CIVILIAN AUTHORITY – THE AFP IS MANDATED BY THE CONSTITUTION TO UPHOLD SUPREMACY OF THE CIVILIAN OVER THE MILITARY EVEN IN WAR OR IN PEACE. THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC IS THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE AFP AND HAVE THE SUPREME POWER OVER THE MILITARY.

3. CHAIN OF COMMAND- MEMBERS OF THE AFP MUST FOLLOW THE CHAIN OF COMMAND, EVERY SOLDIERS OFFICER AND EP MUST OBEY ALL LAWFUL ORDERS FROM THEIR SUPERIORS AND MUST DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHIL AT ALL COST.

4. MIL LEADERSHIP - THE MILITARY LEADERSHIP HAS THE ABILITY TO INFLUENCE MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION IN THE FULFILLMENT OT ITS ROLES, OBLIGATIONS AND FUNCTIONS. STATE OF HIGH MORALE TO THE TROOPERS MUST BE GIVEN EMPHASIS IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH ASSIGNED MISSIONS.

5. RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY- THE AFP SHALL BE THE PRIME MOVER IN BUILDING ITS OWN ARMAMENTS AND ELECTRONIC HARDWARE, IN AIRCRAFT AND SHIP BUILDING AND FULL UTILIZATION OF INDIGENOUS DEFENSE MATERIAL BASED ON OUR BELIEF, CARE AND ATTITUDE.

6. PEOPLE’S SUPPORT - THE AFP

BELIEVE THAT BY RESPECTING THE LIVING

CONDITIONS, BELIEFS, WAYS OF LIFE, AND THE

TOTALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF ALL SECTORS

OF THE SOCIETY ENSURE THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF

THE PEOPLE TO THE AFP AS THEIR OWN.

7. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT- THE AFP

SHALL BE THE PEOPLE’S PARTNER IN PROMOTING

PEACE, NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS.

8. PARTISAN POLITICS - THE AFP MUST

REMAIN NEUTRAL DURING POLITICAL

EXERCISE/ELECTION.

9. MASS MEDIA - THE AFP MUST

RESPECT FREEDOM OF SPEECH OR MUST ADOPT

“OPEN MEDIA POLICY” IT SHALL RESPECT THE

MEDIA’S FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND ACCESS TO

VITAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND FREEDOM OF

EXPRESSION LIMITED ONLY BY THE LAW ON

CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.

10. SPIRITUAL LIFE - THE AFP MUST BE A

NON-SECTARIAN ORGANIZATION. THEY MUST ALLOW

THE PRACTICE OF ALL RELIGION OF THE MEMBERS

OF THE ORGANIZATION.

11. FAMILY LIFE - THE AFP SHALL RECOGNIZE THAT ALL ITS MEMBERS ARE HUMAN BEINGS AND HAVE FAMILIES OF THEIR OWN. THEY SHALL SUPPORT PROGRAMS THAT WILL STRENGTHEN FAMILY TIES AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP.

12. DEMOCRACY – THE AFP ADHERES TO THE PRINCIPLE OF DEMOCRACY THAT THE “GOVERNMENT IS OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE”, THAT THE REAL POWER AND AUTHORITY IN THE GOVERNMENT PF THE NATION EMANATES FROM ITS CITIZENS.

13. NATIONAL INTEREST – THE AFP SHALL BEAR IN MIND THAT THE NATIONAL INTEREST SERVES THE COMMON GOOD OF THE CITIZENRY.

14. PEACE – THE AFP AS THE VANGUARDS OF

PEACE SHALL ENSURES ITS PRESERVATION,

RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT.

15. 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.

HOWEVER, THE AFP PREFERS PEACE THAN WAR IN

SOLVING INTERNAL PROBLEMS OF THE STATES.

WAR WILL ALWAYS HAVE COLLATERAL DAMAGE

THAT WILL ALSO RESULT TO THE DOWNFALL OF

ECONOMIC PROGRESS OF COUNTRY, LOSS OF LIVES

AND PROPERTIES.

16. USE OF ARMED FORCES – THE USE OF

ARMED FORCES MUST BE ALWAYS SANCTIONED BY

COMPETENT AUTHORITY AND IT MUST BE LIMITED TO

THE ENEMY OF THE STATE NOT AGAINST THE

INNOCENT CIVILIANS NOR NON-COMBATANTS, AND

MOST OF ALL NOT AGAINST THEIR OWN PEOPLE AND

GOVERNMENT.

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.

18. HUMAN RIGHTS – THE AFP SHALL RESPECT

THE INHERENT DIGNITY OF HUMAN AS ENUMERATED

IN THE “UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN

RIGHTS” AND OTHER DECLARATION IN WHICH OUR

COUNTRY IS A SIGNATORY.

19. ENEMIES OF THE STATE – THE AFP SHALL

CONSIDER ALL ENEMIES OF THE STATE THOSE WHO

WILL DESTROY THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE

REPUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO WILL RESORT

VIOLENCE TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS.

20. PRINCIPLE 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. THE AFP IS COMPOSED OF OFFRS AND THE ENLISTED PERSONNEL.

SECTION 2. PROCUREMENT SYSTEM – THE AFP SHALL ADOPT A SYSTEM THAT WILL PROPERLY CHOSE THE QUALIFIED APPLICANTS ESPECIALLY THOSE SKILLED AND GIFTED APPLICANTS THAT THE AFP NEEDS.

SECTION 3. MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

1. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS – GRANTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES OF A COMMISSIONED RANK APPROPRIATE TO HIS/HER LINE OF EXPERTISE AFTER MEETING ALL THE FF REQUIREMENTS:

* MUST BE A NATURAL BORN CITIZEN WITH GOOD MORAL CHARACTER PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FIT AND WITHIN THE AGE BRACKET PRESCRIBED BY THE AFP.

* MUST BE AT LEAST A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE HOLDER.

* MUST HAVE GONE THROUGH AT LEAST THE BASIC COMMISSIONED OFFRS TRNG.

* MUST HAVE ATTAINED AN ABOVE AVERAGE OF IQ RATING IN THE AFP APTITUDE TEST BATTERY.

2. ENLISTED PERSONNEL* MUST BE A NATURAL BORN

CITIZEN WITH GOOD MORAL CHARACTER PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FIT AND WITHIN THE AGE BRACKET PRESCRIBED BY THE AFP.

* MUST HAVE EARNED AT LEAST 72 UNITS IN COLLEGE OR ITS EQUIVALENT.

* MUST HAVE ATTAINED AN AVERAGE IQ RATING IN THE GENERAL MILITARY CLASSIFICATION TEST PREPARED AND ADMINISTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AFP REGULATIONS.

* MUST BE OF A MINIMUM HEIGHT AS SET FORTH IN AFP REGULATIONS.

SECTION 4. EDUCATION AND TRAINING – IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BOTH THE AFP AS AN ORGANIZATION AND EVERY MEMBER OF THE AFP TO UNDERGO CAREER AND SPECIALIZED COURSES TO ENHANCE THE PROFICIENCY OF EVERY SOLDIERS.

SECTION 5. RETENTION OF THE SERVICE-RESERVE OFFICERS IN THE ACTIVE SERVICE, NOT COVERED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER 79 WHO WISH TO CONTINUE THEIR SERVICE MUST APPLY FOR EXTENSION OF THEIR TAD IN A DULY ENDORSED PERSONNEL ACTION FORM. WHILE ENLISTED PERSONNEL WILL APPLY FOR REENLISTMENT EVERY THREE YEARS.

SECTION 6. PROMOTION – 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. WHILE EP WILL BE PROMOTED BASED ON THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN CIR 3, GHQ, AFP DTD 01 APR 1995 (TIG, PROMEX & CAREER CRSES).

FURTHER, MERITORIOUS PROMOTION SHALL BE AWARDED TO THOSE QUALIFIED, BUT LIMITED ONLY UP TO GRADE OF E-7 (MSG) (ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO RECOVERED/CAPTURED HFAS FROM THE ENEMY).

SECTION 7. RETIREMENT, SEPARATION BENEFITS – ALL AFP PERSONNEL ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE AFP UNTIL THEIR OPTIONAL AND COMPULSORY RETIREMENT. LIKEWISE, THEY WILL RECEIVED BENEFITS FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR RETIRING HONORABLY. SEPARATION OF MILITARY PERSONNEL SHALL ONLY BE EITHER BY VOLUNTARY OR SEPARATION FOR CAUSE.

LIKEWISE, THEY WILL RECEIVED BENEFITS FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR RETIRING HONORABLY. SEPARATION OF MILITARY PERSONNEL SHALL ONLY BE EITHER BY VOLUNTARY OR SEPARATION FOR CAUSE.

IN THE CASE OF OFFRS, BEING TWICE DEFERRED IN PROMOTION SHALL ALSO CAUSE THEIR SEPARATION FROM THE SERVICE.

SECTION 8. DEATH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS – AN AFP PERSONNEL AND/OR THIS HEIRS SHALL ENTITLED TO ALL BENEFITS AS PROVIDED BY LAW.

ARTICLE V. MILITARY PROFESSIONALISM

SECTION 1. GENERAL STATEMENT – THE AFP ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS WHO ARE OATH-BOUND TO FULFILL THE LOFTY MANDATE OF THE CONSTITUTION TO DEFEND THE REPUBLIC FROM EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL AGGRESSION.

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 . STANDARD OF MILITARY PROFESSIONALISM – EVERY MEMBER OF THE AFP SHALL OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING AS GUIDELINES IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES.

1. STANDARD OF LOYALTY – ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL SHALL BE LOYAL AND TRUE TO THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, THE CONSTITUTION, THE AFP AND TO THE PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES.

2. STANDARD OF COMPETENCE – ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL MUST POSSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES AND CHARACTER TRAITS NECESSARY TO ATTAIN OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE.

3. STANDARD OF ETHICS – EVERY AFP MEMBERS MUST OBSERVE AND CONFORM TO THE ACCEPTED PRINCIPLES OF RIGHT CONDUCT BEING OBSERVED IN THE SOCIETY.

4. STANDARD OF MORALE – EVERY SOLDIERS MUST RESPECT HIS SUPERIORS, PEERS, AND SUBORDINATES. HE MUST BE FAITHFUL TO HIS PLEDGE AS A SOLDIER TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY ABOVE SELF.

SECTION 4. UNPROFESSIONAL ACTS – BEHAVIORS THAT FALL SHORT OF THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD SET FORTH IN THIS CODE ARE CONSIDERED UNPROFESSIONAL ACTS.

1. ACTS OF DISLOYALTY – BETRAYAL TO THE DULY CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY AND CHAIN OF COMMAND, EXAMPLE ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. ANY FORM OF COWARDICE, DESERTION OR ABANDONMENT OF POST, DUTY, ASSIGNMENT WITHOUT OFFICIAL LEAVE AND WITH THE INTENT NOT TO RETURN FOR ANY REASONS, OR ADVISING, AIDING A DESERTER TO COMMIT SUCH ACTS.

2. CONTEMPT OR DISRESPECT BY WORDS OR DEEDS TOWARDS THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AND APPROPRIATE CIVILIAN AUTHORITIES.

3. ANY ATTEMPT TO CREATE, OR PARTICIPATE IN ANY VIOLENT ACTION AGAINST THE DULY CONSTITUTED GOVERNMENT, OR ITS SUBDIVISIONS, AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES.

4. GIVING OR ATTEMPTING TO GIVE AID, PROTECTION, COMFORT, INFORMATION OR ANY FORM OF SUPPORT TO THE ENEMY OR HIS ALLIES OR FRONTS.

5. REFUSAL TO EXECUTE DUTY OR TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION DURING TIMES OF CRISIS SUCH AS SIEGE, UPRISING, MUTINY AND SIMILAR OCCURRENCES FOR A PERCEIVED PERSONAL ADVANTAGE.

2. ACTS OF INCOMPETENCE – LACK OF THE REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES AND CHARACTER TRAITS.

1. FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE MINIMUM PASSING GRADE IN ANY AFP TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAM.

2, INABILITY TO MEET THE PHYSICAL, MEDICAL, MENTAL AND MORAL FITNESS TEST REQUIREMENTS OF THE SERVICE.

3. APATHY, INDIFFERENCE, OR HALF-HEARTEDNESS TOWARDS DUTY. IMPROPER DISPLAY OF INSIGNIA, AWARDS AND DECORATIONS AND DISREGARD OF MILITARY CUSTOMS AND PROTOCOL.

3. UNETHICAL ACTS – ALL ACTS OF OMISSIONS WHICH DEVIATE FROM ESTABLISHED AND ACCEPTED ETHICAL AND MORAL STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR AND PERFORMANCE AS SET FORTH IN THIS CODE.

1. DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ENGAGE ONESELF IN OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT OR BUSINESS USING GOVT TIME.

2. 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.

3. ALLOWING ANY WRONGDOING OR IRREGULARITY IN THE MILITARY SERVICE.

4. OCCUPYING OTHER POSITIONS IN CONCURRENT CAPACITY TO OBTAIN INFLUENCES, PRIVILEGES, HONORARIA AND OTHER BENEFITS.

5. LOBBYING FOR ANY FAVOR.

6. ANY ACT OF CIRCUMVENTING AFP RULES, REGULATIONS, CIRCULARS, DIRECTIVES FOR PURPOSES OF PROCUREMENT, PROMOTION, SCHOOLING AND OTHERS.

7. ALLOWING/TOLERATING SPOUSES AND DEPENDENTS TO INTERFERE/MEDDLE IN OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS.

8. FORNICATION.

9. ENGAGING IN VICES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXCESSIVE GAMBLING, WOMANIZING, EXCESSIVE DRINKING OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR AND USE OF PROHIBITED DRUGS.

10. SEXUAL HARASSMENT

11. FORUM SHOPPING – FILING OF CHARGES TO DIFF INVESTIGATIVE AGENCIES THUS DISREGARDING THE AFP CHAIN OF COMMAND.

12. AIRING GRIEVANCES/SEEKING TO REDRESS GRIEVANCES DIRECTLY THE USE OF TRI-MEDIA THAT WILL DESTROY THE IMAGE OF THE AFP.

SECTION 4. CORRUPT ACTS – ALL ACTS OF OMISSIONS DESCRIBED AND CHARACTERIZED AS CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC INTEREST, MORALS, PROPERTY, CHASTITY, CIVIL STATUS OF PERSONS.

1. ANY FORM OF CONVERSION, SALE, APPLICATION OR USE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS OR PROPERTIES OTHER THAN WHAT THEY ARE INTENDED FOR INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO POL, ALLOCATION, FAS, AMMOS AND OTHER SUPPLIES.

2. ANY FORM OF MANIPULATION OF UNIT OR INDIVIDUAL FUNDS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO MAINTENANCE AND OPERATING EXPENSES (MOE).

3. ANY PARTICIPATION IN OR TOLERATING OF RIGGED BIDDING.

4. FALSIFICATION OR ALTERATION OF RECORDS/DOCUMENTS TO JUSTIFY UNWARRANTED ACQUISITION OR DISPOSAL/SALE OF GOVT EQUIPMENT TO FAVOR ANY PARTY INCLUDING HIMSELF.

5. 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.

6. UTILIZATION OF AFP PERS FOR PERSONAL DUTIES.

7. UTILIZATION/DISPOSITION

OF/EMPLOYMENT OF AFP MATERIAL RESOURCES

FOR PERSONAL AND FAMILY USE.

8. RECEIVING/ACCEPTING/

DEMANDING OR INSINUATING TO RECEIVE GIFTS IN

ANY FORM ON ANY OCCASION.

SECTION 5. PENALTIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE

SANCTIONS – THE PENALTIES OF THE ABOVE-

MENTIONED ACTS SHALL BE THOSE WHICH ARE

PROVIDED IN THE REVISED PENAL CODE, AW,

SPECIAL LAWS AND PERTINENT AFP RULES AND

REGULATIONS.

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.

SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS:

1. TRADITIONS – ARE INHERITED PRINCIPLES, STANDARDS AND PRACTICES THAT SERVE AS GUIDES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS.

2. CUSTOMS – ARE ACCEPTED PRACTICES THROUGH CONTINUED USAGE THAT TAKE THE FORCE EFFECT OF A COMMON LAW.

SECTION 3. MILITARY TRADITIONS

1. TRADITIONAL OF VALOR – THE FILIPINO SOLDIERS HAVE EPITOMIZED VALOR TO ALL ASPECTS OF FILIPINO SOLDIERY.

2. TRADITION OF DUTY – FILIPINO SOLDIERS ARE DEDICATED SERVANTS.

3. TRADITION OF HONOR – FILIPINO SOLDIERS EVEN IN DIFFICULT TIMES HAVE EXEMPLIFIED THE VALUE OF HONOR BY LEADING A LIFE OF PERSONAL DIGNITY AND SELF WORTH IN TIMES OF PEACE OR IN WAR.

4. TRADITION OF SOLIDARITY – THE STRONGEST, MOST ENDURING AND POWERFUL MILITARY TRADITION THAT BOUNDS THE SOLDIERS IN ONENESS TO THE PEOPLE THEY SERVE.

5. TRADITION OF LOYALTY – FILIPINO SOLDIERS HAS GIVEN CONSISTENTLY HIS LOYALTY TO GOD, COUNTRY, PEOPLE AND THE AFP CHAIN OF COMMAND.

SECTION 4. MILITARY CUSTOMS:

1. SALUTE - MEN OF ARMS EXECUTE SALUTE AS AN EXCHANGE OF GREETING, COURTESY AND RESPECT AMONG THEMSELVES.

2. FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

– THE FILIPINO SOLDIERS HONORS THE FLAG BY

RAISING IT BEFORE THE START OF THE OFFICIAL

DAY’S WORK TO PLAGE THAT ALL HIS EFFORTS FOR

THE DAY IS DEDICATED TO GOD , COUNTRY AND

PEOPLE.

3. THE RETREAT CEREMONY –

THE SOUND OF THE EVENING GUN DURING A

COMBINED CEREMONIAL PARADE AND RETREAT

CEREMONY CONSTITUTE ONE OF THE INSPIRING

CUSTOMS OF SERVICE. MILITARY PERSONNEL IN

THE CAMPS OR GARRISONS PAUSE FOR MOMENT

EITHER TO SALUTE THE NATIONAL FLAG OR SING

THE NATIONAL THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.

4. THE THREE VOLLEYS OVER GRAVES - THIS IS A SIGN OF RESPECT AND GESTURE TENDERED TO DEPARTED COMRADE-IN-ARMS.

5. THE WHITE FLAG OF TRUCE - A WORLDWIDE CUSTOMS USED TO SIGNAL THE TEMPORARY CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES BETWEEN WARRING PARTIES.

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.

7. WELCOME/FAREWELL TENDERED TO A NEWLY ASGD/DEPARTING OFFICER - A NEW ASSIGNED OFFICER IS TENDERED A WELCOME PARTY WHILE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE OF AN OFFICER FROM HIS STATION ON A CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT, A FARE WELL PARTY IS TENDERED. OTHER SUITABLE UNIT FUNCTION IS USUALLY GIVEN BY THE UNIT’S OFFICERS AND LADIES IN HONOR OF THE NEWLY ASSIGNED/DEPARTIING OFFICER AND HIS FAMILY. WHEN PRESSURE OF WORK PROHIBITS THIS NICETY, A “HAPPY HOUR” OR A SIMPLE GETTOGETHER TAKES ITS PLACE. THE SAME IS EXTENDED TO SELECTED SENIOR KEY NCOs AND PETTY OFFICERS.

8. CEREMONY TENDERED TO A RETIREE – THIS IS TENDERED TO A MILITARY RETIREE IN RECOGNATION TO HIS LONG , FAITHFUL AND HONORALE SERVICE TO THE AFP.

9. PIPE CALLS (TRUMPET OR BUGLE CALLS) - PIPE , TRUMPET OR BUGLE CALLS ADD MORE DISTINCTION AND EXCITEMENT TO THE REGIMENTED LIFE OF MILITARY PERSONNEL. THE DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES UNFOLD, THE SOUND OF THESE CALLS REJUVENATE EVREY SYSTEM OF HIS BODY TO CONTINUE PERFORMING THE THINGS AS SIGNALLED BY EACH CALL.

10. COURTESY CALLS - THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE SIGNIFICANT COURTESY CALLS IN THE MILITARY.

1. AN OFFICER WHO HAS BEEN DETAILED OUTSIDE OF AND IS REJOINING HIS MAJOR SERVICE OR HAS BEEN REASSIGNED TO UNITS OTSIDE HIS MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDER.

2. UPON ARRIVAL OR PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, OFFICERS FROM OVERSEAS MISSION OR FOREGN SCHOOLING PAY A CALL TO THEIR RESPECTIVE MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDERS. IT ALSO APPROPRIATE FOR OFFICER ASSUMING FOREIGN POST OF COMING BACK FROM SUCH ASSIGNMENTS TO CALL ON THE CHIEF OF STAFF AND THE SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE.

3. OFFICERS ASSUMING COMMAND POSITIONS OR SIMILAR KEY POSITIONS OR SIMILAR KEY POSITIONS CALL ON THEIR IMMEDIATE COMMANHDERS. THEY DO THE SAME PRIOR TO A TRANSFER OF RELIEF FROM DUTY.

4. NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS CUSTOMARILY CALL ON THEIR MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDERS. THIS IS USUALY DONE IN GROUPS OF THE SAME RANK.

5. IN SOME CASES, SENIOR OFFICER WHO ARE THE SUBJECT OF ALL THESE CALLS MAY BE EXTREMELY BUSY SO ATTEND OR RECEIVE CALLERS. IT IS ALWAYS A SIGN OF COURTESY AND GOODEILL TO HAVE MANIFESTED AN INTENTION TO PAY SUCH CALL.

11. CALL OF NEWLY PROMOTED GENERALS/FLAG OFFRS - OFFICERS PROMOTED TO A STAR RANKS CALL ON THE MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDERS, CHIEF OF STAFF, AFP AND THE SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AFTER TALKING THEIR OATH OF OFFICE BEFORE THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. CALLS ON THE MAJOR SERVICE COMMANDERS ARE USUALLY ACCOMPANIED BY SOME FROM OF ARRIVAL HONOR AND DEPARTURE HONORS.

12. NEW YEAR’S CALL ON THE COMDR OFFR - IT HAS BEEN AN INVARIABLE CUSTOM THROUGHOUT THE AFP THAT OFFICER MAKE A FORMAL CALL UPON THEIR COMMANDER DURING NEW YEAR’S DAY.

13. HAPPY HOUR - THIS IS

SPECIAL FORM OF UNIT OFFICER COMRADESHIP

WHICH HAS BEEN DEVELOPING AND SPREADING IN

RECENT YEARS. WHEN THIS DIRECTED, OFFICERS

GATHER AT LOCAL CLUB FOR A BEER AND

CONVERSATION. USUALLY HELD ON FRIDAYS, THE

GROWING CALLS FOR A LIGHT HEARTE JESTING

ABOUT THE EVENTS OF THE WEEK, OR AIRING A

MINOR GRIPE, AND BLOWING OFF A LITTELE STEAM,

IT MAY ALSO BE A TIME TO SLIP IN A JUDICIOUS

REQUEST FOR A PASS OR EVEN TO INQUIRE ABOUT

TAKING A LEAVE. BEHAVIOR AND ACTIVITIES

CONFORM STRICTLY TO THE MORAL AND ETHICAL

SET FORTH IN THIS CODE.

14. MILITARY WEDDINGS - THESE CUSTOMS ARE GENERALLY THE SAME FOR ALL FAITHS. THEY VARY ONLY CHAPLAINS OF THE DIFFERENT CHURCHES INCORPORATED OTHER PROCEDURES TO ADD THEIR COLOR AND TONE.

15. PATRONAGE OF THE OFFRS CLUB AND EP CLUB HOUSES - THIS CUSTOM ENABLES OFFICERS AND EP TO SPEND THEIR OFF-DUTY SOCIAL AND REREATIONAL LIFE INSAID CERTERS. 16. CEREMONIES AT HOLIDAY DINNERS - THIS THE PRACTICE ON CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S DAY, IN WICH COMMANDING OFFICER VISIT TROOPS DURING MEAL TIME OR PRIOR TO THE SEVING OF THE MEAL. THE METHOD VARIES RATHER WIDELY.

17. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT – THIS ANOTHER PRACTICE ON CHRISTMAS, IN WICH CHILDREN OF THE ORGANIZATION ARE GIVING GIFTS AND ENTERTAINED. THIS JOINTLY ORGANIZED BY THE CHAPLAIN, SPECIAL SERVICE OFFICER OR LADIES CLUB WITH THE BAND PRESENT.

18. RANK HAS ITS PRIVILEGES - WHENEVER A CHOICE IS TO BE MADE, SUCH A SELECTION OF BILLETS OR QUARTERS OR ELECTING MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, THE OPTION OF SECLECTION FOLLWS RANK, WITH THE SENIOR GIVEN THE PRIVILEGE TO SELECT FIRST.

19. 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. AN OFFICER OR SOLDIER OF HIS UNIT VISITS HIM IN ORDER THAT NEEDS ARE ATTENDED TO.

20. SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE TO BEREAVED FAMILY WHEN THE MEMBER OF A UNIT DIES, AN OFFICER IS IMMEDIATELY DESIGNATED BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER TO RENDER EVERY POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY. A FAMILY COURTESY MAY BE TENDERED , IF DESIRE, IN THE CASE OF A DEATH A MEMBER OF ANY PERSONNEL’S FAMILY.

21. “I WISH” AND “I DESIRE” STATEMENT - WHEN THE COMMANDING OFFICER STATES, “I WISH” OR “I DESIRE” RATHER THAN “I ORDERTHAT YOU DO SUCH AND SUCH, THIS WHIS OR DESIRE HAS ALL THE FORCE OF A DIRECT ORDER.

22. PLACE OF HONOR - THE PLACE OF HONOR IS ON ONES RIGHT. WHEN THE JUUNIOR WALKS, RIDES , OR SITS WITH A SENIOR HE TAKES POSITIONS ABREAST TO THE LEFT OF THE SENIOR.

23. USE OF THE WORD “SIR” – THE WORD “SIR” IS USED IN MILITARY CONVERSATION BY THE JUNIOR OFFICER IN ADDRESSING A SENIOR, AND BY ALL SOLDEIRS IN ADDRESSING OFFICER. IT PRECEDES A REPORT , A QUERY, AND FOLLOWS THE ANSWER OF A QUESTION.

ARTICLE VII – GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. LEGAL FORCES – THIS CODE SHALL BE GUIDED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHIL, ARTICLES OF WAR, REVISED PENAL CODE, RA 6713 ( ETHICAL STANDARDS OF PUBLIC OFFLS AND EMPLOYEES), RA 3019 (ANTI-GRAFT PRACTICES ACT) RA 6869 (ANTI-COUP D” ETAT ACT) AND OTHER SPECIAL LAWS.

SECTION 2. MORAL FORCE – IN IMPLEMENTING THIS CODE ALL AFP PERS 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 – THERE SHALL BE AN OESPA CREATED TO BE HEADED BY THE VICE COMMANDERS FOR THE MAJOR SERVICES, CEP COMDRS FRO THE AREA COMDNS AND AFPWSSUs, ASST DIV COMDRS FOR THE DIV , BDE DEP AND EX-O FOR THE INF BDES, AND BN EX-O FOR INF BNS OR ITS EQUIVALENT IN THE NAVY AND AIR FORCE TO SPEARHEAD THE EFFEVTIVE PROMOTION OF THE PROGRAM OF ACTION FOR THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE CODE

SECTION 4. DISSEMINATION – THE PROVISION OF THIS CODE SAHLL BE TAKEN UP DURING TI & E SESSIONA. EVERY MEMBER OF THE AFP SHALL SIGN A CERTIFICATION THAT HE/SHE HAS READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE PROVISION OF THIS CODE EVERY 11 DAY OF OCTOBER, WHICH IS AFPCODE DAY THE CERTIFICATION WILL FORM PART OF HIS/HER MPF.