Civil Service Exam Reviewer

1. In 2023, the Philippines joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). What is the primary purpose of this trade agreement?

A. Promote free movement of labor within Southeast Asia B. Facilitate economic integration and trade liberalization among Asia-Pacific countries C. Establish a common currency for ASEAN member states D. Enforce environmental regulations across the Asia-Pacific region

2. A provincial government plans to expand mining operations to boost local revenues and create jobs. Environmental groups warn that the expansion would degrade watersheds, harm biodiversity, and displace indigenous communities. The government insists on moving forward without conducting a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

Which principle of sustainable development is most clearly being violated in this scenario?

A. Intergenerational equity — ensuring resources are available for future generations B. Integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations C. Polluter pays principle — industries bear the cost of environmental damage D. Precautionary principle — avoiding harm when scientific uncertainty exists

3. Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the power to impeach officials like the President or Supreme Court Justices belongs to Congress. Suppose the Supreme Court issues a decision declaring that the House of Representatives’ articles of impeachment are unconstitutional due to a procedural defect. Which principle best explains why this judicial review is valid despite impeachment being a political process?

A. Judicial review is unlimited and allows the Court to intervene in all political questions B. The Court may only interpret laws, but not the Constitution, in cases involving impeachment C. Even political acts of Congress are subject to judicial review if there is a violation of the Constitution D. The Supreme Court shares the impeachment power with Congress to check possible abuses

4. Which ethical standard was upheld when a public officer refused an expensive gift from a contractor to avoid conflict of interest?

A. Professionalism B. Political Neutrality C. Commitment to Public Interest D. Simple Living

5. Which of the following is an ethical standard mandated by R.A. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees)?

A. Pursuit of wealth accumulation B. Commitment to Public Interest C. Partisan political activity D. Extravagant lifestyle

6. In response to climate change impacts in Southeast Asia, several countries in the region join with international NGOs and local communities to design a framework for disaster risk reduction. Instead of imposing one country’s solution, they prioritize inclusive dialogue, joint planning, and respect for cultural differences. Which peace and conflict resolution approach is MOST clearly reflected in this scenario?

A. Power-based approach, where stronger states dictate the terms B. Interest-based collaborative approach, emphasizing shared goals C. Rights-based approach, relying on legal rulings from international courts D. Military intervention to enforce compliance

7. A provincial government plans to expand mining operations to increase revenue and create jobs. Environmental groups warn that the expansion will degrade watersheds, harm biodiversity, and displace indigenous communities. The government insists on proceeding without conducting a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

Which principle of sustainable development is most clearly being violated?

A. Intergenerational equity — ensuring resources are available for future generations B. Integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations C. Polluter pays principle — industries bear the cost of environmental damage D. Precautionary principle — avoiding harm when scientific uncertainty exists

8. A government engineer is tasked to evaluate bids for a major infrastructure project. One of the bidding companies is partly owned by his brother. The engineer decides to participate in the evaluation but promises to be 'fair and objective.' Which is the BEST assessment of the situation?

A. There is no conflict of interest because the engineer claims objectivity. B. A conflict of interest exists because of the close family relationship. C. There is only a potential conflict if the brother’s company wins. D. Conflict of interest applies only to elected officials, not employees.

9. A city government approves the cutting of a large number of century-old trees to build a parking complex. Environmental groups protest, citing the project’s contribution to urban heat and flooding. Which principle of sustainable development is MOST clearly being ignored?

A. Intergenerational responsibility B. Social equity C. Polluter pays principle D. Precautionary principle

10. A government employee refuses to process the application of a citizen because the latter openly supported an opposing political party during the elections. Which norm of conduct is the employee violating under RA 6713?

A. Professionalism B. Political neutrality C. Responsiveness to the public D. Justness and sincerity

11. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) brings both opportunities and risks. Which of the following issues BEST represents a global political concern related to AI development and deployment?

A. Ensuring equitable access to AI-driven healthcare innovations B. Addressing the displacement of workers due to automation C. Preventing the use of AI in autonomous weapons and cyber warfare D. Reducing the carbon footprint of AI data centers

12. Which of the following laws institutionalizes the State policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest?

A. RA 3019 – Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act B. RA 6713 – Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees C. RA 9485 – Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 D. RA 10173 – Data Privacy Act of 2012

13. A public official receives an expensive gift from a contractor whose project is pending approval. According to RA 6713, which ethical standard is MOST directly violated?

A. Professionalism B. Political neutrality C. Commitment to Public Interest D. Simple Living

14. In September 2025, large protests dubbed the 'Trillion Peso March' were organized in the Philippines. What was the primary issue that sparked these demonstrations?

A. Rising fuel prices and transportation costs B. Alleged corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects C. Disputes over territorial waters with neighboring countries D. New regulations on large cash withdrawals by the central bank

15. The President vetoed a bill passed by Congress, but Congress believes the veto is unconstitutional and files a case with the Supreme Court to declare the veto invalid. Which principle of the Philippine Constitution is being illustrated in this scenario?

A. Checks and balances B. Judicial restraint C. Executive privilege D. Legislative supremacy