Public officials are expected to be well-mannered, civil, and circumspect in their choice of words. Vulgar words uttered by public officials even in jest or as unscripted statements are indecent. The utterance does not only become part of the public record, but also mirrors the public officials and the institutions they represent.
Section 1 of Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 15, series of 2010, Amending Certain Provisions of the Rules on the Administrative Offense of Disgraceful and Immoral Conduct, reads: “Disgraceful and Immoral Conduct refers to an act which violates the basic norms of decency, morality and decorum abhorred and condemned by the society. It refers to conduct which is willful, flagrant or shameless, and which shows a moral indifference to the opinions of the good and respectable members of the community.”
Some of our leaders who are unable to give good reasons to support their views publicly, or who have nothing to say worthwhile, sometimes resort to using uncouth words. They use foul language as a weapon to silence those who do not share their beliefs. They say nasty words to cover their rational insufficiency, and their utterances are readily accepted by an audience unwilling to use reason as well. That is a disturbing sign that these leaders are indecent.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO
Assistant City Council Secretary
Marikina City