Laws You Should Know for the Civil Service Exam
By: Jillian Marie 4/4/2025
One of the most challenging parts of the Civil Service Exam is the General Information section, which often includes questions about Philippine laws. If you're aiming to pass on your first try, knowing the most frequently mentioned laws can give you a big advantage.
Here’s a simplified guide to the key laws you should study — what they’re about, and why they matter.
📜 1. 1987 Philippine Constitution
The foundation of all laws in the Philippines. It defines how the government works and protects the rights of its citizens.
Focus on:
- Article II (Declaration of Principles)
- Article III (Bill of Rights)
- Article VI to VIII (Legislative, Executive, Judicial)
🧠 Tip: Know your basic rights and the structure of the government.
👨⚖️ 2. RA 6713 – Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
This law promotes integrity, honesty, and transparency in public service.
Key points:
- Upholds the eight norms of conduct (e.g., commitment to public interest, professionalism, nationalism, etc.)
- Requires filing of SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth)
- Encourages transparency and accountability
🧠 Commonly appears in situational questions on ethics and public service.
📄 3. RA 3019 – Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
A law that defines and punishes corrupt behavior in government.
Examples of violations:
- Giving or receiving bribes
- Giving favors in exchange for influence
- Using public office for personal gain
🧠 Know the basic corrupt acts — they often show up as examples in the exam.
🧾 4. RA 9485 – Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA)
This law aims to reduce delays in government transactions.
Key features:
- Mandates Citizen’s Charters in agencies
- Sets deadlines for public service transactions
- Penalizes fixers and inefficient public servants
🧠 Situational questions about poor government service often relate to this law.
🚨 5. RA 9165 – Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
A law against illegal drug use and trafficking.
Key aspects:
- Establishes the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
- Focuses on prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation
- Sets penalties for drug possession, use, and trafficking
🧠 Be familiar with the law’s purpose and agencies involved.
👶 6. RA 7610 – Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act
Protects children from abuse and exploitation.
Important provisions:
- Protects children in schools, workplaces, and at home
- Imposes penalties for abuse and exploitation
🧠 Expect questions related to minors’ rights and child protection.
🏥 7. RA 11223 – Universal Health Care Act
Provides automatic health insurance coverage for all Filipinos.
Key goals:
- Access to quality and affordable health services
- Strengthening of public health systems
- Mandates PhilHealth coverage for all
🧠 Know the benefits and the idea of universal healthcare for all citizens.
⚖️ Other Laws Worth Reviewing
- RA 7877 – Anti-Sexual Harassment Act
- RA 9262 – Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act
- RA 10173 – Data Privacy Act
- RA 9003 – Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
- RA 10918 – Philippine Pharmacy Act (if applying to health-related positions)
📌 Tips to Remember These Laws
- Use mnemonics or acronyms to recall law numbers.
- Connect laws with real-life examples or news stories.
- Take practice quizzes on Brevph and review explanations.
- Focus on law titles and main ideas—you don’t need to memorize full texts.
Final Thoughts
Understanding these laws is not just about passing the exam — it's also about becoming a more informed and responsible citizen. By mastering these key laws, you’ll not only boost your General Information score, but also be more confident in answering situational and ethics questions.
📚 Keep reviewing. Keep practicing. Let Brevph help you on your journey to becoming a civil servant.
🇵🇭 Serve with knowledge. Pass with confidence.