CSC warns gov’t employees not to engage in partisan politics 

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) warned government employees on Monday to “uphold political neutrality” and not to engage in partisan politics amid the upcoming May 12 polls. 

Citing Joint Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-CSC Advisory on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activities (Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2016), workers in government offices are prohibited from forming groups to solicit votes or campaign and holding political rallies or meetings for election campaigning. 

Further, the joint circular prohibits government workers from publishing or displaying campaign materials promoting or opposing a candidate. Employees are also not allowed to use government resources (such as time, personnel, facilities, and equipment) for political purposes. 

Government staff are also prohibited from providing financial or material contributions to candidates or political parties. 

Wearing campaign-related shirts, pins, caps, or accessories is not allowed unless authorized by the COMELEC. 

Government workers are prohibited as well from serving as watchers for a political party or a candidate. 

In a separate memorandum circular, the CSC reminded government workers that they are not allowed to post, share, or comment on political content to solicit support for or against a political party or candidate. 

Employees are encouraged to refrain from engaging in online arguments or discussions “ that could compromise public trust in government institutions.” 

Workers are reminded also that they must not disclose official government information without proper authorization. 

The CSC said the joint circular covers all workers in government offices, including uniformed personnel and even those on leave of absence. 

Further, employees who violate the policies regarding elections could face a month or up to six months of suspension for the first offense; or dismissal from service, including loss of benefits and disqualification from future government employment for the second offense. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News 

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