President Quezon's “Code of Citizenship and Ethics”
http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/27837/President_Quezon#.UhkyQr38Bjs
In a time when the pork barrel scam has jolted local
politics, and poverty and security threats burden the nation, a code of ethics
for Filipinos prepared by then President Manuel L. Quezon has been re-issued by
Malacañang.
The "Code of Citizenship and Ethics," consisting
of 16 guiding principles, was posted on the official website of the
Presidential Museum and Library on the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary
of Quezon on August 19.
The civic and ethical principles included love of country,
payment of taxes, and leading a clean and simple life.
"In the lead up to the 135th birth anniversary of
President Quezon on August 19, 2013, the Presidential Museum and Library is
sharing this Code of Ethics published generations ago but which remains
strikingly relevant and true for our times," the Palace said.
The civic and ethical principles are the following:
1.Have faith in Divine Providence that guides the destinies
of men and nations.
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.
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.
4.Pay your taxes willingly and promptly. Citizenship implies
not only rights but also obligations.
5.Safeguard the purity of suffrage and abide by the
decisions of the majority.
6.Love and respect your parents. It is your duty to serve
them gratefully and well.
7.Value your honor as you value your life. Poverty with
honor is preferable to wealth with dishonor.
8.Be truthful and be honest in thought and in action. Be
just and charitable, courteous but dignified in your dealings with your fellow
men.
9.Lead a clean and frugal life. Do not indulge in frivolity
or pretense. Be simple in your dress and modest in your behavior.
10.Live up to the noble traditions of our people. Venerate
the memory of our heroes. Their lives point the way to duty and honor.
11.Be industrious. Be not afraid or ashamed to do manual
labor. Productive toil is conducive to economic security and adds to the wealth
of the nation.
12.Rely on your own efforts for your progress and happiness.
Be not easily discouraged. Persevere in the pursuit of your legitimate
ambitions.
13.Do your work cheerfully, thoroughly, and well. Work badly
done is worse than work undone. Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do
today.
14.Contribute to the welfare of your community and promote
social justice. You do not live for yourselves and your families alone. You are
a part of society to which you owe definite responsibilities.
15.Cultivate the habit of using goods made in the Philippines.
Patronize the products and trades of your countrymen.
16.Use and develop our natural resources and conservation
for posterity. They are the inalienable heritage of our people. Do not traffic
with your citizenship.
Back in 1939, Quezon, the first President of the
Commonwealth of the Philippines,
issued Executive Order No. 217 outlining this code of ethics that must be
taught in all local schools. EO 217 was dated August 19, 1939 on the occasion
of Quezon's 61st birthday.
The list was formulated by a committee of eminent citizens
organized by Quezon. It eventually became a 71-page book, that included
historical anecdotes and references to the virtues Filipinos have displayed
throughout the years, according to the Palace.
"In a letter to the President printed as a preface to
the book, the committee wrote, '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,'" the Palace said.