CSE General Information Guide: Laws, Government & Current Events

General Information on the CSE tests your knowledge of Philippine laws (especially RA 6713 and the Constitution), government structure, history, current events, general science, and Filipino culture. The most frequently tested topics are RA 6713 (Code of Conduct), RA 3019 (Anti-Graft Act), the 1987 Philippine Constitution, and the three branches of government. This section rewards consistent reading and awareness more than last-minute cramming.

This guide covers everything you need to know to maximize your score on the General Information section — what topics appear, which laws are most commonly tested, and how to study effectively. For a full overview of the exam, see our Complete CSE Reviewer Guide.

What Does General Information Cover?

The General Information component of the CSE Professional level draws questions from a broad range of topics. Based on the Civil Service Commission's published coverage, the following subject areas appear regularly:

• Philippine Constitution — particularly the Bill of Rights (Article III), national territory (Article I), and the three branches of government
• Philippine laws — RA 6713 (Code of Conduct), RA 3019 (Anti-Graft), EO 292 (Administrative Code), and other laws relevant to public service
• Philippine government structure — the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; constitutional commissions; local government
• Philippine history — pre-colonial period, Spanish colonization, American period, independence, and key national heroes
• Current events — recent national and international news, government programs, and major policy developments
• General science and environment — basic science concepts, environmental laws, and health
• Filipino culture and the arts — national symbols, literature, and cultural heritage

Philippine Laws Most Commonly Tested

Questions about Philippine laws make up a significant portion of the General Information section. These are the laws that appear most frequently:

Philippine Government Structure

Understanding the three branches of government and constitutional commissions is essential for the General Information section. Here is a quick reference:

Philippine History: Key Points for the CSE

The CSE occasionally includes questions on Philippine history. Focus on these key dates and events:

• June 12, 1898 — Philippine Independence Day (Declaration of Independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite)
• 1899 — Malolos Constitution ratified; First Philippine Republic established under Emilio Aguinaldo
• July 4, 1946 — Independence from the United States recognized; now celebrated as Filipino-American Friendship Day
• September 21, 1972 — Martial Law declared by President Ferdinand Marcos
• February 1986 — People Power Revolution (EDSA Revolution); Corazon Aquino became president
• February 2, 1987 — Ratification of the current Philippine Constitution
• National heroes: Jose Rizal (national hero), Andres Bonifacio (father of the Philippine Revolution), Apolinario Mabini (the Sublime Paralytic)

How to Study Current Events for the CSE

Current events questions are difficult to predict but manageable with the right approach. Here is how to prepare:

General Science and Environment

General science questions on the CSE are typically basic and do not require advanced knowledge. Focus on:

• Basic biology — the human body systems, photosynthesis, food chains
• Basic physics and chemistry — states of matter, simple machines, chemical reactions at the conceptual level
• Environmental laws — RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act), RA 8749 (Clean Air Act), RA 9275 (Clean Water Act)
• Disaster risk reduction — RA 10121 (DRRM Act), NDRRMC structure, and basic disaster preparedness
• Philippine geography — major islands (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao), bodies of water, highest peak (Mt. Apo), longest river (Cagayan River)

Recommended Study Strategy for General Information

Given the breadth of topics, here is an efficient approach to studying General Information for the CSE:

1. Prioritize the laws — Dedicate at least 40% of your General Information study time to Philippine laws, especially RA 6713 and the Constitution. These are consistently tested and have predictable question formats.
2. Use flashcards for facts — National symbols, key dates, government positions, and law penalty amounts are best memorized with flashcards or spaced repetition.
3. Read news summaries weekly — Spend 30 minutes per week reviewing major government announcements and news headlines in the months before the exam.
4. Practice with past questions — Many CSE review books include General Information practice sets. Doing these helps you recognize the format and style of questions.
5. Do not neglect science and history — These topics require less time but should not be ignored. A quick review of key facts can yield several correct answers.