The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued the Revised Dress Code for government officials and employees when performing official duties, both on and off government premises.
In CSC Resolution No. 24000766 promulgated on 29 August 2024, the CSC introduced updated dress code guidelines aimed at boosting employee morale, professionalism, and productivity of the over two million civil servants, whether working onsite or under flexible arrangements.
The Revised Dress Code is aligned with the implementation of Republic Act No. 9242 (Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law), the CSC-DOH-DOLE Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2020 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Public Sector), and CSC Resolution No. 2200209 (Policies on Flexible Work Arrangements in Government). The new rules also address emerging social issues such as gender equality, disability inclusion, and social diversity.
It covers all government officials and employees regardless of employment status, whether appointive or elective, in all government agencies and instrumentalities, namely: constitutional bodies; departments, bureaus, and agencies of national government agencies; government-owned and controlled corporations with original charters; local government units; and state universities and colleges.
Official Attire
Under the Revised Dress Code, government officials and employees must wear ASEAN-inspired attire or clothing influenced by the traditional garments of ASEAN member states, including the Philippines; Filipiniana-inspired outfits reflecting Filipino culture, heritage, and customs; and agency-prescribed office uniforms.
The official attire shall be in accordance with the following schedule: ASEAN-inspired clothing on the first Monday of the month; Filipiniana-inspired clothing from second to fourth Mondays of the month; agency-prescribed office uniform from Tuesday to Friday and on weekends; and smart casual attire on days without agency-prescribed uniform.
Government agencies shall prescribe agency uniform that are suitable for the workplace and employee's duties. The use of Philippine Tropical Fabrics is required for the set of uniforms or a part thereof, not as a mere clothing embellishment or adornment, while Personal Protective Equipment must also be provided for employees exposed to occupational hazards.
Officials and employees may choose to wear the agency-prescribed uniform that aligns with their gender preferences, identity, and expression.
The CSC also reminded that the Anti-Red Tape Act Identification card shall be worn during office hours or on official duty as it forms part of the agency-prescribed office uniform.
In addition, the Revised Dress Code clarifies that grooming requirements such as hairstyle, haircut, or hair color, may only be mandated if they are necessary for safety, professionalism, uniformity, branding, or client preferences.
Government officials and employees are prohibited from wearing the following during official functions, whether on-site or virtual: collarless t-shirts, plunging necklines, sleeveless tops, sando/tank tops, tube tops, halters, strapless or spaghetti-strap blouses (unless as undershirts), leggings, above-the-knee skirts, shorts, cycling or jogging pants (except during physical activities), ripped jeans, sandals, slippers, or exposed-toe shoes, and excessive jewelry or heavy makeup, among others.
On the other hand, exemptions may be granted based on job type, such as for uniformed personnel, medical professionals, and laboratory technicians, as well as for employees with religious beliefs, physical disabilities, or health conditions; pregnant; or those in mourning.
Agency heads, upon consultation with the officials and employees, shall formulate and adopt internal rules and procedures on the implementation of the Revised Dress Code within six months from the date of its effectivity on 8 December 2024.
The Revised Dress Code for Government Officials and Employees, as circularized through CSC Memorandum Circular No. 16, s. 2024, is available via the CSC website at https://www.csc.gov.ph/.
