Code of Citizenship and Ethics

“The life of a nation depends upon the moral and civic virtue of its citizens. Now, more than
ever, when nations, great and small, are on the verge of collapse do we realize this fundamental
truth.” – President Manuel L. Quezon

Our country has been expecting a lot to our youths today. With the assumption that the youths
today are the ones who will lead the country in the future, it is essential that good ethics shall be
taught to students in school where youths are being molded to be a better person. At a young age,
students shall be exposed to these fundamental ethics for them to instill it as they grow older.

This Code of Citizenship and Ethics or Executive No. 217 was signed by President Manuel L.
Quezon on August 19, 1939 during the celebration of his 61st birthday. As stated in the Section V
of Article XIII of the Constitution, schools shall aim to develop moral character, personal
discipline, civic conscience, and to teach the students their duties of citizenship. With this, this
order was issued by Manuel L. Quezon that requires schools to teach civic and ethical principles
to its citizens. Manuel L. Quezon's Code of Citizenship and Ethics is a very important tool of
which reminds us the reconstruction of our national identity.

The Code of Citizenship and Ethics is composed of 16 principles. More than just mere
statements, these provide the standard that should be taken into consideration with utmost
diligence and care, principles which serves as the foundation of its own. Thfirst five principles
are as follows:

1. Have faith in Divine Providence that guides the destinies of men and nations.

Faith plays a huge role in building one's moral character, more than his skills and given abilities,
he needs a God who can oversee everything and have such power to give strength and strong
guidance in making people holistic as they can be, and guidance in putting up a firm nation.

A person who fears God follows His teachings that were written in the Bible and a citizen that
abides with the law of God helps that person to be faithful and moral which guides him/her in
contributing for the development of our nation.
 2. Love your country for it is the home of your people, the seat of your affections, and
the source of your happiness and well-being. Its defense is your primary duty. Be
ready at all times to sacrifice and die for it if necessary.

"...ang mamatay ng dahil sayo" the last line of our National Anthem implies each
Filipinos' obligation to the Philippines and that is to love our motherland for it is the
place where your heart is, a place that gave you your identity, your well being and your
home, thus it is our responsibility to return this privilege given to us. We must protect our
country and preserve its beauty. The Code is telling us to Love our country, and to Love
means is to sacrifice, to fight for it until you die.

3. Respect the Constitution which is the expression of your sovereign will. The
government is your government. It has been established for your safety and welfare. Obey
the laws and see that they are observed by all and that public officials comply with their
duties.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is a set of rules that regulates the duties and
responsibilities of government and the right of the citizens. We must respect and obey it for it
constitute our safety and welfare. Obedience comes along with peace so we must follow the law
which will protect us. In return, government officials should comply with their duties and
responsibilities in serving our country. We, the citizens, are the ones who elected the leaders of
our country so as the elected government, the citizens must follow them. It is stated in the
Constitution the right of Filipino citizen to vote during the election. As a Filipino citizen,
regardless of social class, who enjoys the rights here in our country, it is also expected to follow
the Constitution as well as respect it.
4. Pay your taxes willingly and promptly. Citizenship implies not only rights but also
obligations.

Taxation is inherent power of the state. It is the lifeblood of the state. People must pay taxes to
fund the government which is used for the welfare of the people, the basic social services,
projects and expenditures of the government. Payment of tax is not only for self-preservation but
for the overall good of our country

5. Safeguard the purity of suffrage and abide by the decisions of the majority.

As citizens who were given the right to vote, it is our priority to evaluate the candidates who are
running for government positions in order to elect the right people. Electoral fraud must be
strictly observed. In our democratic country, we follow the majority's decision as stated in the
Constitution.

Citizens shall exercise your suffrage which is a vital role of a citizen in nation building. Through
this, you are protecting the country for taking part in choosing the right leaders with good
intentions. One vote can be powerful, it can change lives and can change the future of a country.