The General Information cluster accounts for approximately 20 items (10% to 15% of your total score) on both Professional and Subprofessional Civil Service exams.

While math and grammar items take significant time to calculate, General Information items can be answered in 15 seconds or less if you have memorized the statutory terms and constitutional principles. Here is the high-yield cheat sheet of recurring test items.

1. The 8 Norms of Conduct (R.A. 6713, Section 4)

Republic Act No. 6713 is the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Section 4 establishes the eight norms that every public servant must observe:

1. Commitment to Public Interest
Always uphold public interest over and above personal interest. Public funds must be used faithfully and economically.
2. Professionalism
Perform duties with the highest degree of excellence, dedication, intelligence, and competence.
3. Justness and Sincerity
Remain true to the people at all times. Do not discriminate against anyone, especially the poor and underprivileged.
4. Political Neutrality
Provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or political preference.
5. Responsiveness to the Public
Extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service. State policies and rules clearly and candidly.
6. Nationalism and Patriotism
Maintain loyalty to the Republic and the Filipino people. Promote the use of locally produced goods and resources.
7. Commitment to Democracy
Commit to democratic way of life and value system. Maintain civilian supremacy over the military at all times.
8. Simple Living
Lead modest lives appropriate to government positions and income. Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth.

2. Critical Statutory Timeframes (The 15-Day Rule)

CSC questions frequently ask for exact numerical deadlines specified under Section 5 of R.A. 6713:

⚡ The Mandatory 15-Day Rule (Section 5a): All public officials and employees must respond to letters, telegrams, or other communications sent by the public within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof. The reply must contain the action taken on the request.
  • 45 Working Days: All heads of offices must submit an annual performance report to their respective departments within 45 working days from the end of the year.
  • Immediate Action: Official papers must be processed and completed expeditiously with no more than three (3) required signatories.

3. SALN Filing Rules and Deadlines (Section 8)

Every public official and employee must file under oath a Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). You must know these three exact triggers:

  1. Upon Assumption of Office: Within thirty (30) days after assumption of public office (reckoned as of your first day).
  2. Annual Filing: On or before April 30 of every year thereafter (reckoned as of December 31 of the preceding year).
  3. Upon Separation: Within thirty (30) days after separation from service.

4. Article XI: Accountability of Public Officers

Memorize the exact phrasing of Article XI, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution verbatim:

"Public office is a public trust. 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."

Key Article XI concepts tested:

  • Impeachable Officials: President, Vice President, Members of the Supreme Court, Members of the Constitutional Commissions (CSC, COMELEC, COA), and the Ombudsman.
  • Grounds for Impeachment: Culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.

5. The Three Independent Constitutional Commissions

Under Article IX of the Constitution, three independent Constitutional Commissions are established:

  1. Civil Service Commission (CSC): The central personnel agency of the Philippine Government.
  2. Commission on Elections (COMELEC): Enforces and administers all election laws.
  3. Commission on Audit (COA): Examines, audits, and settles all government accounts and expenditures.

All three enjoy fiscal autonomy (budgets cannot be reduced below the previous year's appropriation) and their members enjoy 7-year staggered terms without reappointment.

6. Environmental Law (R.A. 9003 Waste Hierarchy)

Under Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000), questions test the standard waste management hierarchy:

♻️ Solid Waste Management Priority Hierarchy: 1. Source Reduction and Avoidance (Highest Priority)
2. Reuse, Recycling, and Resource Recovery
3. Waste Processing (Composting)
4. Safe Sanitary Disposal (Lowest / Last Resort)

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