“ The consideration, selection, reconsideration or appointment of any person for taking office which involves the exercise of the State powers, and the transfer, the promotion, the elevation of a salary scale and the imposition of punitive sanction vis-a-vis such person shall be in accordance with the merit system and regard shall also be had to his or her ethical conduct. ”

“ ETHICS OF HOLDERS OF POLITICAL POSITIONS AND STATE OFFICIALS Section 279. Ethical standards of persons holding political positions, Government officials or State officials in each type shall be in accordance with the ethical standards prescribed. ”