CSC warns gov’t workers against engaging in political activities

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has warned that it will impose sanctions on government workers who engage in partisan political activities.

CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada cited Joint Circular 001, which was crafted by the CSC and the Commission on Elections in 2016 “to shield officers and employees of the civil service and the armed forces from the vagaries of politics.”

Under civil service rules, those who will be found guilty of engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities will be meted with the penalty of one month and one day suspension to six months for the first offense; and dismissal from the service for the second offense, according to the circular.

The penalty of dismissal is without prejudice to criminal or civil liability, and shall carry with it cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and bar from taking civil service examinations.

“Tayo po ay nasa gobyerno we have to focus on the efficient discharge of duties and functions. Let us leave the election season to the politicians,” Lizada said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Thursday.

(We are in the civil service and we have to focus on the efficient discharge of duties and functions. Let us leave the election season to the politicians.)

The 2022 general elections will be held on May 9.  — Richa Noriega/VBL, GMA News