The campaign period for local candidates for the May 2025 midterm polls has kicked off and the Mangaldan local government has issued an executive order prohibiting municipal employees from joining or participating in political campaigns.

"Sinabi na rin sa amin ng HR, syempre susunod kami kasi mahirap din mawalan ng trabaho,” Violeta Lalatag, a government employee, said.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Region 1 said local government employees must follow such orders when issued.

Even if no executive order exists, government employees are still prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities.

This rule follows the Joint COMELEC-Civil Service Commission (CSC) Advisory on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activities.

"‘Hindi sila puwedeng mag-engage sa partisan political activities other than to vote,’" COMELEC Assistant Regional Election Director Atty. Reddy Balarbar said.

However, the rule does not apply to job order and contract-of-service employees. They may campaign, but only outside their working hours and outside the municipal office.

Elected officials are also allowed to campaign since their positions are political.

“‘Yung sa Civil Service Code natin malawak ‘yan. May mga empleyado diyan na allowed mag-kampanya especially ‘yung mga holding political position gaya ng mga elected officials natin o kaya ang mga position nila ay highly-confidential at ang amo nila ay mga pulitiko,’” Balarbar said.