📚

CSE Reviewer — Complete Study Guide

Tips, tricks, formulas, cheat sheets & 10 worked examples per subject — everything you need before exam day

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Verbal Ability

Tests your command of the English language: vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, analogy, and correct usage. Approx. 40 items in the actual CSE.

⚡ Quick Tips & Strategies Verbal
🔤
Vocabulary Context Clues
Never guess blindly. Look at surrounding words for meaning. Contrast words (but, however, although) signal opposite meaning. Cause words (because, so, since) signal result meaning.
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Analogy AREAT Method
Analyze the first pair → Relationship type → Eliminate wrong answers → Apply to second pair → Test your answer. Common types: synonyms, antonyms, part-to-whole, tool-to-user.
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Reading Comprehension
Skim first, then read questions before re-reading. Main idea is usually in the first or last sentence of a paragraph. Watch out for EXCEPT/NOT questions — they need all 4 options checked.
✏️
Correct Usage — Subject-Verb
Collective nouns (team, committee, class) use singular verbs. Compound subjects joined by or/nor agree with the nearer subject. Phrases between subject and verb don't change agreement.
🪝
Word Completion Roots
Learn Latin/Greek roots: bene- = good, mal- = bad, -ology = study of, -phobia = fear, -graph = write, port- = carry, dict- = say/speak.
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Time Management
Spend no more than 45 seconds per item for vocabulary. Reading comprehension passages allow up to 2 minutes total per passage. Flag hard items and come back.
📋 Cheat Sheet — Common Patterns Verbal
Analogy Relationships
Synonym: big : large
Antonym: hot : cold
Part-Whole: petal : flower
Tool-User: scalpel : surgeon
Cause-Effect: fire : smoke
Degree: warm : hot
Common Prefixes
un-, in-, im-, dis-: not
re-: again
pre-: before
mis-: wrongly
sub-: under
super-: above/over
Grammar Traps
Lie vs Lay: lie (no object), lay (needs object)
Who vs Whom: who=subject, whom=object
Less vs Fewer: less=uncountable, fewer=countable
Since vs For: since=point in time, for=duration
Transition Words
Addition: furthermore, moreover, also
Contrast: however, nevertheless, yet
Cause: therefore, thus, consequently
Example: for instance, namely, such as
🎯 10 Worked Examples Verbal
Ex 1 Vocabulary: Choose the word closest in meaning to EBULLIENT. ▼
  • Break down the word. "Ebull-" comes from Latin ebullire meaning "to bubble over." Bubbling suggests energy and excitement.
  • Eliminate negatives. The root implies something positive, so words like sullen, gloomy, or morose are wrong.
  • Choose the best fit. Among options, exuberant (overflowing with energy/enthusiasm) matches perfectly.
✓ Answer: Exuberant (full of energy and enthusiasm)
💡 Memory tip: EBULLIENT = "bubbling over" with excitement. Think of a soda bottle shaken up — it bubbles enthusiastically.
Ex 2 Analogy: SURGEON : SCALPEL :: CARPENTER : ___ ▼
  • Identify relationship. A surgeon uses a scalpel as their primary tool. Relationship = person : tool.
  • Apply to second pair. What tool does a carpenter primarily use? A carpenter uses a hammer (or saw).
  • Choose the most specific. "Hammer" is the classic primary tool of a carpenter in CSE context.
✓ Answer: Hammer (a carpenter's primary tool)
💡 Tip: Always state the relationship as a sentence: "A surgeon uses a scalpel" — then complete it: "A carpenter uses a ___."
Ex 3 Grammar: Choose the CORRECT sentence. A) The committee have decided. B) The committee has decided. ▼
  • Identify the subject. "The committee" — a collective noun.
  • Apply rule. In American/Philippine English, collective nouns acting as a single unit take a singular verb.
  • Select answer. "Has decided" (singular) is correct for Philippine English CSE standards.
✓ Answer: B) The committee has decided.
💡 Rule: Committee, class, group, team, faculty → singular verb in Philippine/American English. "The team is ready." NOT "The team are ready."
Ex 4 Vocabulary: VERBOSE most nearly means: ▼
  • Root analysis. "Verb-" = word (from Latin verbum). "-ose" = full of.
  • Combine meaning. "Full of words" → talking too much.
  • Select best match. Wordy / long-winded / talkative.
✓ Answer: Wordy / Long-winded
Ex 5 Reading Comprehension: "Despite the heavy rain, the marathon runners persevered." What does 'persevered' mean in context? ▼
  • Context signal. "Despite" signals contrast — bad conditions but runners continued anyway.
  • Meaning of contrast. The runners overcame difficulty and continued forward.
  • Select answer. Persevered = continued steadfastly despite difficulties.
✓ Answer: Continued despite difficulties
💡 Contrast clue: "Despite / although / even though / but" always signals the following action is OPPOSITE to the obstacle.
Ex 6 Error Detection: "Each of the students were given a book." What is the error? ▼
  • Find the real subject. The subject is "Each" — not "students." "of the students" is a prepositional phrase (ignore for agreement).
  • Rule. "Each, every, either, neither, one" → always singular verb.
  • Correction. "Each of the students was given a book."
✓ Error: "were" should be "was"
💡 Trick: Cross out the prepositional phrase mentally: "Each ___ was given a book." Now agreement is obvious.
Ex 7 Analogy: IGNITE : FIRE :: GERMINATE : ___ ▼
  • Relationship. "Ignite" causes or starts "fire." Relationship = cause → result.
  • Apply. "Germinate" causes or starts what? Germination is the sprouting of a plant/seed.
  • Answer. Germinate : Plant (or Growth).
✓ Answer: Plant (germinate causes a plant to grow)
Ex 8 Word Usage: Choose the correct word — "He (lay/laid) down to rest after work." ▼
  • Identify tense and transitive nature. The action is past tense, and the subject does the action to himself (no external object).
  • Rule. "Lie" (no object) → past tense = lay. "Lay" (needs object) → past tense = laid.
  • Apply. "He" is resting himself — no object needed → use past of "lie" = lay.
✓ Answer: Lay ("He lay down to rest")
💡 Quick table: lie → lay → lain (no object) | lay → laid → laid (needs object)
Ex 9 Vocabulary: PERNICIOUS means: ▼
  • Root. From Latin perniciosus = destructive, from pernicies = destruction/ruin.
  • Eliminate positives. The word sounds ominous — eliminate beneficial, helpful, pleasant.
  • Answer. Pernicious = harmful, destructive, especially in a gradual/subtle way.
✓ Answer: Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual way
Ex 10 Sentence Completion: "Her ___ attitude made it difficult for her colleagues to approach her." (A) affable (B) aloof (C) amiable (D) ardent ▼
  • Context clue. "Difficult to approach" means she is distant, cold, or unfriendly.
  • Eliminate. Affable (friendly), amiable (pleasant), ardent (passionate) — all positive/warm traits → eliminate.
  • Select. Aloof = distant, detached, unfriendly → matches "difficult to approach."
✓ Answer: B) Aloof
💡 ALOOF = stands apart, like a lone wolf. Think "a-LOoF" = a loof(t) = elevated and distant from others.
🔢

Numerical Ability

Tests arithmetic, number series, word problems, and basic algebra. Speed and accuracy are key. Approximately 40 items in the actual CSE — no calculator allowed.

⚡ Quick Tips & Strategies Numerical
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Number Series Pattern Types
Look for: +/- constant (arithmetic), ×/÷ ratio (geometric), alternating patterns (two interleaved sequences), squared/cubed terms, or combinations. Always check differences first.
✂️
Fraction Shortcuts
To compare fractions, use cross multiplication. To add quickly, find LCM. Remember: a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c. Memorize: ½=0.5, ⅓≈0.33, ¼=0.25, ⅕=0.2, ⅛=0.125.
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Percentage Tricks
x% of y = y% of x (swap to make easier). To find 15%: find 10% then add half. To find 1%: divide by 100. To find n%, multiply by n/100.
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Work-Rate Formula
If A finishes in a days and B in b days, together: 1/a + 1/b = 1/T. Solve for T = ab/(a+b). Add rates, not days!
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Distance-Speed-Time
D = S × T. For opposite directions: add speeds. For same direction: subtract speeds. Average speed = total distance ÷ total time (NOT average of speeds).
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Ratio & Proportion
In a ratio a:b:c, find each part by dividing total by sum of ratio parts. Cross-multiply to solve proportions: if a/b = c/d, then ad = bc.
📐 Key Formulas & Rules Numerical
Distance / Speed / Time
D = S × T
S = D ÷ T
T = D ÷ S
Always use consistent units (km & hrs, or m & sec).
Work / Rate Problems
1/T = 1/A + 1/B
T = (A×B)/(A+B)
T = combined time, A & B = individual times.
Percentage
% = (Part/Whole)×100
Part = (% × Whole)/100
Whole = Part/(% /100)
Identify which of the 3 values is unknown.
Simple Interest
I = P × R × T
A = P + I = P(1 + RT)
P=Principal, R=Rate/yr, T=Time in years.
Mixture / Alligation
C_mix = (C1×V1 + C2×V2) / (V1+V2)
C = concentration, V = volume.
Arithmetic Series
aₙ = a₁ + (n-1)d
Sₙ = n/2 × (a₁ + aₙ)
d = common difference between terms.
Geometric Series
aₙ = a₁ × r^(n-1)
Sₙ = a₁(1-rⁿ)/(1-r)
r = common ratio (multiply between terms).
Age Problems
Present: x, x+d
Future: (x+n), (x+d+n)
Past: (x-n), (x+d-n)
Always write equations in terms of present ages.
🎯 10 Worked Examples Numerical
Ex 1 Number Series: 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, ___ ▼
  • Find differences. 5-2=3, 10-5=5, 17-10=7, 26-17=9. Differences: 3, 5, 7, 9.
  • Pattern in differences. +2 each time (odd numbers: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11...).
  • Next term. Next difference = 11. Answer: 26 + 11 = 37.
✓ Answer: 37
💡 Tip: When 1st differences don't show a pattern, try 2nd differences (differences of differences). That reveals quadratic sequences.
Ex 2 Work Problem: A can finish a job in 6 days, B in 9 days. How long together? ▼
  • Write rates. A's rate = 1/6 job/day. B's rate = 1/9 job/day.
  • Combined rate. 1/6 + 1/9 = 3/18 + 2/18 = 5/18 job/day.
  • Time = 1/Rate. T = 18/5 = 3.6 days = 3 days and 14.4 hours.
✓ Answer: 3 3/5 days (or 3.6 days)
💡 Shortcut: T = (A×B)/(A+B) = (6×9)/(6+9) = 54/15 = 18/5 = 3.6 days
Ex 3 Age Problem: Ana is 3 times as old as Ben. In 4 years, Ana will be twice Ben's age. How old is Ben now? ▼
  • Set variable. Let Ben = x. Then Ana = 3x (present).
  • Write future equation. In 4 years: Ana = 3x+4, Ben = x+4. Condition: 3x+4 = 2(x+4).
  • Solve. 3x+4 = 2x+8 → x = 4. Ben is 4, Ana is 12.
  • Check. In 4 years: Ana=16, Ben=8. 16 = 2×8 ✓
✓ Answer: Ben is 4 years old
Ex 4 Percentage: A shirt originally costs ₱800. It is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price? ▼
  • Find the discount amount. 25% of 800 = 0.25 × 800 = ₱200.
  • Subtract from original. 800 - 200 = ₱600.
  • Alternative (faster). Sale price = 75% of original = 0.75 × 800 = ₱600.
✓ Answer: ₱600
💡 Fast method: If discount is 25%, you pay 100%-25% = 75%. Multiply original by 0.75 directly.
Ex 5 Distance: Two buses leave a station going opposite directions. Bus A: 60 kph, Bus B: 80 kph. How far apart after 2.5 hours? ▼
  • Combined speed. Opposite directions → add speeds: 60 + 80 = 140 kph.
  • Distance = Speed × Time. D = 140 × 2.5 = 350 km.
✓ Answer: 350 km apart
💡 Rule: Opposite directions → add speeds. Same direction → subtract. Meeting → add and solve for T when D1+D2 = total distance.
Ex 6 Simple Interest: ₱50,000 at 8% per year for 3 years. Find the interest and total amount. ▼
  • Formula. I = P × R × T = 50,000 × 0.08 × 3.
  • Calculate. I = 50,000 × 0.08 = 4,000 per year × 3 = ₱12,000.
  • Total Amount. A = P + I = 50,000 + 12,000 = ₱62,000.
✓ Answer: Interest = ₱12,000 | Total = ₱62,000
Ex 7 Ratio: Divide ₱4,800 among A, B, C in ratio 3:4:5. How much does each receive? ▼
  • Sum of ratio parts. 3+4+5 = 12 parts total.
  • Value per part. ₱4,800 ÷ 12 = ₱400 per part.
  • Each share. A = 3×400 = ₱1,200 | B = 4×400 = ₱1,600 | C = 5×400 = ₱2,000.
  • Check. 1,200+1,600+2,000 = ₱4,800 ✓
✓ Answer: A=₱1,200, B=₱1,600, C=₱2,000
Ex 8 Number Series: 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, ___ ▼
  • Find ratio. 6/3=2, 12/6=2, 24/12=2, 48/24=2. Common ratio = 2 (geometric).
  • Next term. 48 × 2 = 96.
✓ Answer: 96
💡 Tip: If dividing consecutive terms gives the same number → geometric sequence. Use: aₙ = a₁ × r^(n-1).
Ex 9 Word Problem: A store sold 40% of its stock and still had 120 items left. How many items were there originally? ▼
  • What's left. If 40% was sold, 60% remains = 120 items.
  • Equation. 0.60 × Total = 120 → Total = 120 ÷ 0.60.
  • Solve. Total = 200 items.
✓ Answer: 200 items originally
Ex 10 Mixture: How much pure alcohol must be added to 400 mL of 30% alcohol solution to make it 50%? ▼
  • Current alcohol. 30% of 400 = 120 mL of pure alcohol.
  • Set up equation. Let x = mL of pure alcohol added. New total volume = 400+x. New alcohol = 120+x.
  • Equation. (120+x)/(400+x) = 0.50.
  • Solve. 120+x = 0.50(400+x) = 200+0.5x → 0.5x = 80 → x = 160 mL.
✓ Answer: 160 mL of pure alcohol
🧠

Analytical Ability

Tests logical reasoning, data sufficiency, series, coding-decoding, and drawing conclusions from data. About 40 items in the actual CSE.

⚡ Quick Tips & Strategies Analytical
🗂️
Syllogism — All/Some/No
Draw Venn diagrams mentally. "All A are B" = A circle completely inside B. "Some A are B" = circles overlap. "No A are B" = circles don't touch. Never assume more than what's stated.
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Coding-Decoding System
Step 1: Find the shift/pattern (alphabet position, reverse, skip). Step 2: Check all letters, not just first. Step 3: Verify with a second example word in the problem if provided.
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Data Arrangement (Seating)
Draw a physical diagram — line or circle. Fill in definite positions first, then use process of elimination. Never over-read clues — take each condition literally.
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Logical Deduction
Valid conclusions must be 100% true based on given facts. A conclusion that's "probably true" or "sometimes true" is NOT valid. Watch for absolute words: all, none, always, never.
🗓️
Calendar Problems
Odd days method: Jan=3, Feb=0(28 days)/1(29 days), Mar=3, Apr=2, May=3, Jun=2, Jul=3, Aug=3, Sep=2, Oct=3, Nov=2, Dec=3. Normal year=1 odd day. Leap year=2 odd days.
🔢
Letter-Number Coding
A=1, B=2...Z=26. Reverse: A=26, B=25...Z=1. Position from end = 27 minus position from front. Watch for +1, -1, +2 shifts applied to each letter.
📋 Logical Rules Quick Reference Analytical
Syllogism Rules
All A=B + All B=C → All A=C ✓
All A=B + Some B=C → Some A=C ✓
No A=B + All C=A → No C=B ✓
Some A=B + Some B=C → No certain conclusion
If-Then Logic
If P then Q = P→Q
Contrapositive: ¬Q→¬P (valid)
Converse: Q→P (NOT always valid)
Inverse: ¬P→¬Q (NOT always valid)
Direction Distance
N+S cancel each other out
E+W cancel each other out
Net displacement: use Pythagorean theorem if perpendicular
Final direction: check which net component is larger
Blood Relations
Son's wife = Daughter-in-law
Father's brother = Uncle
Mother's sister's son = Cousin
Always draw a family tree — don't track mentally
🧠 Alphabet Position Memory Aid
A=1, E=5, I=9, M=13, Q=17, U=21, Y=25. The vowels AEIOU are at positions 1,5,9,13(M is 13 not a vowel—use as anchor),21,25. Learn M=13 (middle of alphabet) and N=14. Everything else you can count from the nearest anchor.
🎯 10 Worked Examples Analytical
Ex 1 Syllogism: All cats are animals. All animals are living things. Conclusion: All cats are living things — True or False? ▼
  • Diagram it. Cats ⊂ Animals ⊂ Living Things. (cats circle inside animals circle inside living things circle)
  • Conclusion. If cats are inside animals, and animals are inside living things, then cats must also be inside living things.
  • Result. The conclusion logically follows. TRUE.
✓ Answer: TRUE — valid conclusion
💡 Rule: All A=B + All B=C → All A=C. This is the classic transitive syllogism and is always valid.
Ex 2 Coding: If MANGO is coded as NBOHP, how is APPLE coded? ▼
  • Find the pattern. M→N (+1), A→B (+1), N→O (+1), G→H (+1), O→P (+1). Each letter shifted +1.
  • Apply to APPLE. A→B, P→Q, P→Q, L→M, E→F.
  • Result. APPLE = BQQMF.
✓ Answer: BQQMF
Ex 3 Direction: Juan walks 5 km North, then 3 km East, then 5 km South. How far is he from start and in what direction? ▼
  • Cancel N/S movements. 5 km North - 5 km South = 0 net vertical movement.
  • Remaining. Only 3 km East remains.
  • Final position. 3 km directly East of starting point.
✓ Answer: 3 km East of starting point
💡 Tip: Always cancel opposing directions first. N cancels S; E cancels W. Only calculate Pythagorean distance if there's BOTH N/S and E/W remaining.
Ex 4 Blood Relations: Pointing at Maria, Jose says "Her mother is the only daughter of my grandfather." How is Maria related to Jose? ▼
  • Identify "only daughter of Jose's grandfather." Jose's grandfather's only daughter = Jose's mother (or aunt). The simplest interpretation: only daughter = Jose's mother.
  • So Maria's mother = Jose's mother.
  • Conclusion. Maria and Jose share the same mother → Maria is Jose's sister.
✓ Answer: Maria is Jose's Sister
💡 Tip: Always draw a family tree. "Only daughter of my grandfather" = my mother (direct line, not aunt).
Ex 5 Seating: 5 people — A,B,C,D,E — sit in a row. B is next to A. C is not next to B. D is at one end. E is next to D. Find a valid arrangement. ▼
  • Fix D at end. Positions: _ _ _ _ D (or D _ _ _ _). E must be next to D, so E is at position 4.
  • Remaining: A, B, C in positions 1-3. B must be next to A. Possible: A-B or B-A in positions 1-2 or 2-3.
  • C not next to B. If B is at pos 2, C can't be at pos 1 or 3. But only A, C left for pos 1&3. Place C at pos 1, A at pos 2 — but B must be next to A... Try: C(1), A(2), B(3), E(4), D(5). B at 3 is next to A at 2 ✓. C at 1 is not next to B at 3 ✓.
✓ Valid Arrangement: C – A – B – E – D
Ex 6 If-Then Logic: "If it rains, the game is cancelled." It did NOT rain. Can we conclude the game is cancelled? ▼
  • Statement structure. If P (rain) → Q (cancelled). We know ¬P (no rain).
  • Is Inverse valid? ¬P → ¬Q is the INVERSE. The inverse is NOT always logically valid.
  • Why? The game could still be cancelled for OTHER reasons (lightning, no players, etc.).
  • Conclusion. We CANNOT conclude the game is NOT cancelled.
✓ Answer: We CANNOT conclude anything — game may or may not be cancelled
💡 Key insight: Only the contrapositive (¬Q→¬P) is always valid. "No rain" doesn't prove "no cancellation."
Ex 7 Number Series: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, ___ ▼
  • Identify pattern. 1+1=2, 1+2=3, 2+3=5, 3+5=8, 5+8=13. Each term = sum of two preceding terms.
  • This is the Fibonacci sequence.
  • Next term. 8+13 = 21.
✓ Answer: 21 (Fibonacci sequence)
💡 Know this sequence: 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34,55,89... It appears very commonly in CSE and IQ tests.
Ex 8 Data Sufficiency: Is x an even number? Statement 1: x is divisible by 4. Statement 2: x + 2 is even. ▼
  • Test Statement 1 alone. If x is divisible by 4, then x = 4,8,12... All are even. Statement 1 is sufficient alone.
  • Test Statement 2 alone. If x+2 is even, then x = even+2-2 = even. Or: even - even = even → x is even. Statement 2 is also sufficient alone.
  • Conclusion. Each statement ALONE is sufficient.
✓ Answer: Either statement alone is sufficient
Ex 9 Letter Coding: In a code, A=2, B=4, C=6... What is the code for G? ▼
  • Find pattern. A=2, B=4, C=6 → each letter's code = position × 2.
  • G's position. G is the 7th letter of the alphabet.
  • Apply formula. G = 7 × 2 = 14.
✓ Answer: G = 14
💡 Always: Verify pattern with at least 2 data points before applying. A=2 (1×2), B=4 (2×2), C=6 (3×2) — confirmed ×2 pattern.
Ex 10 Logical Conclusion: "All honest people are trustworthy. Some employees are honest." What follows? ▼
  • Diagram. Honest ⊂ Trustworthy (all honest are inside trustworthy). Employees ∩ Honest ≠ ∅ (some overlap).
  • What we can conclude. The employees who are honest must also be trustworthy (since all honest → trustworthy). So "Some employees are trustworthy" ✓.
  • What we CANNOT conclude. Not all employees are honest/trustworthy — only "some."
✓ Valid Conclusion: Some employees are trustworthy
🏛️

General Information

Covers Philippine history, government & Constitution, current events, science & technology, culture, and basic civics. About 40 items in the actual CSE.

⚡ Quick Tips & Strategies GenInfo
📜
Constitution Essentials
Memorize the Preamble, the 3 branches, Bill of Rights (Art. III), and Article XI (Accountability). Focus on which rights are "not absolute" — freedom of speech, religion, assembly can be regulated.
🏛️
Government Structure
Executive: President (6-yr term, no re-election). Legislative: Senate (24 senators, 6-yr term) + House (3-yr term). Judicial: SC has 15 justices. Mandatory retirement at 70.
📅
Philippine History Dates
Key dates: 1565 (Spanish colonization), 1898 (Independence declared/Treaty of Paris), 1935 (Commonwealth), 1946 (Independence from US), 1986 (EDSA Revolution), 1987 (Current Constitution).
🌏
Current Events Approach
Review last 6 months of news: PH government decisions, ASEAN updates, UN-PH relations, CSC policies, major laws passed. Read GOV.PH and PNA (Philippine News Agency) regularly before the exam.
🔬
Science & Technology
Focus on: inventions by Filipinos (Agapito Flores — fluorescent lamp myth vs fact), Philippine flora/fauna, DOST programs, climate (PAGASA), and basic earth science (Ring of Fire, typhoon belt).
💼
Civil Service Rules
Know the CSC Mission, RA 6713 (Code of Conduct), RA 6770 (Ombudsman Act), RA 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act — ARTA), and RA 11032 (EODB Act). These laws appear frequently!
📋 Key Facts Cheat Sheet GenInfo
Philippine Constitution 1987
Ratified: February 2, 1987
Articles: 18 Articles
Preamble goals: justice, equality, peace, truth, freedom, love
Bill of Rights: Article III
Suffrage: 18 years old, Filipino, 1-yr resident
3 Branches of Government
Executive: President, VP, Cabinet
Legislative: Senate + House of Rep.
Judicial: Supreme Court + lower courts
SC Chief Justice: appointed by President
Impeachable: President, VP, SC Justices, Ombudsman
Important Philippine Laws
RA 6713: Code of Conduct & Ethical Standards
RA 9485/11032: Anti-Red Tape / EODB
RA 7160: Local Government Code
RA 6770: Ombudsman Act
RA 3019: Anti-Graft & Corrupt Practices
Philippine Presidents (Recent)
Corazon Aquino — 1986–1992
Fidel Ramos — 1992–1998
Joseph Estrada — 1998–2001
Gloria Arroyo — 2001–2010
Benigno Aquino III — 2010–2016
Rodrigo Duterte — 2016–2022
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — 2022–present
🎯 10 Worked Examples GenInfo
Ex 1 Under the 1987 Constitution, what is the term of office of the Philippine President? ▼
  • Source. Article VII, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
  • Answer. The President serves a term of six (6) years.
  • Key addition. The President is NOT eligible for re-election (one term only).
✓ Answer: 6 years, no re-election
💡 Compare: VP = 6 years, max 2 terms. Senator = 6 years, max 2 consecutive terms. Congressman = 3 years, max 3 consecutive terms.
Ex 2 What event is known as the "People Power Revolution" in the Philippines? ▼
  • Context. A non-violent civilian uprising against the Marcos dictatorship.
  • Key facts. Took place on EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) from February 22–25, 1986. Led to the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and the installation of Corazon Aquino.
  • Significance. Model of peaceful democratic revolution globally; led to the 1987 Constitution.
✓ Answer: EDSA Revolution / People Power Revolution (February 22-25, 1986)
Ex 3 What does RA 6713 govern? ▼
  • Full title. Republic Act 6713 — "An Act Establishing a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees."
  • Core provisions. Requires public servants to uphold public interest, submit Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), and avoid conflicts of interest.
  • Enforcement. Civil Service Commission and Office of the Ombudsman.
✓ Answer: Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
💡 Exam tip: RA 6713 mandates SALN filing. SALN = annual disclosure of assets, liabilities, and net worth of all public officials.
Ex 4 How many senators are in the Philippine Senate, and what is their term? ▼
  • Constitutional basis. Article VI, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution.
  • Composition. The Senate is composed of 24 Senators.
  • Term. 6-year term; no more than two consecutive terms. Half (12) are elected every 3 years.
✓ Answer: 24 Senators, 6-year term, max 2 consecutive terms
Ex 5 What is the national tree of the Philippines? ▼
  • Answer. The Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) is the national tree, declared by Executive Order.
  • Why narra? Represents hardness and strength; used in furniture; endemic to the Philippines.
  • Other national symbols. Flower: Sampaguita | Bird: Philippine Eagle | Fish: Bangus | Animal: Carabao | Gem: Pearl | Leaf: Anahaw.
✓ Answer: Narra (Pterocarpus indicus)
💡 Memorize all national symbols — they are common in CSE GenInfo: Eagle (bird), Sampaguita (flower), Narra (tree), Carabao (animal), Bangus (fish), Anahaw (leaf).
Ex 6 What does the Anti-Red Tape Act (RA 9485, as amended by RA 11032) require of government agencies? ▼
  • Purpose. To speed up delivery of government services and reduce corruption caused by bureaucratic inefficiency.
  • Key requirements. Government agencies must post Citizen's Charter (a document showing steps, fees, timelines for every service). Simple transactions: 3 working days. Complex: 7. Highly technical: 20.
  • RA 11032 (EODB 2018). Enhanced and expanded RA 9485; stricter timelines and penalties for non-compliance.
✓ Answer: Post Citizen's Charter; comply with processing time limits (3/7/20 working days)
Ex 7 The Philippines is located in what geographical feature known for high seismic and volcanic activity? ▼
  • Feature name. The Pacific Ring of Fire — a horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean with frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
  • Philippines' position. Located on the western edge of the Ring of Fire; has over 300 volcanoes, 22 of which are active.
  • Notable volcanoes. Mayon (most active), Taal (most dangerous, proximity to Metro Manila), Pinatubo (1991 eruption).
✓ Answer: Pacific Ring of Fire
Ex 8 Who is the "Father of the Philippine Revolution" against Spain? ▼
  • Answer. Andres Bonifacio — founder of the Katipunan (KKK) in 1892, which led the armed revolution against Spanish rule.
  • Distinguish from Rizal. Jose Rizal is the "National Hero" and advocated peaceful reform; Bonifacio led armed revolution.
  • Katipunan full name. Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK).
✓ Answer: Andres Bonifacio — Father of the Philippine Revolution
Ex 9 Under the Local Government Code (RA 7160), what is the basic political unit in the Philippines? ▼
  • Answer. The Barangay is the basic political unit of the Philippines (Art. X, Sec. 1, 1987 Constitution; RA 7160).
  • LGU Hierarchy. Barangay → Municipality/City → Province → Region (admin division).
  • Barangay officials. Punong Barangay (Chairperson) + 7 Kagawad + SK Chairperson + Barangay Secretary + Barangay Treasurer.
✓ Answer: Barangay — the basic political unit
Ex 10 What are the three inherent powers of the State under Philippine law? ▼
  • The three powers. (1) Police Power — regulate conduct for public welfare (e.g., traffic laws). (2) Power of Eminent Domain — take private property for public use with just compensation. (3) Power of Taxation — impose and collect taxes to fund government.
  • Key differences. Police power: no compensation. Eminent domain: just compensation required. Taxation: returns in form of government services.
  • Memory aid. PET = Police power, Eminent domain, Taxation.
✓ Answer: Police Power, Eminent Domain, and Taxation
💡 Memory: PET — Police, Eminent domain, Taxation. These three powers are INHERENT — the State has them even without a constitutional provision saying so.