AS in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, I expect the Civil Service Commission to remind the 1.9 million government employees across the Philippines to refrain from engaging in electioneering and partisan political activities during the campaign period for the upcoming midterm elections.
The reminder is based on the 1987 Constitution, which prohibits civil servants from engaging in acts aimed at promoting or opposing candidates or political parties. CSC-COMELEC Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2016, further reinforces this prohibition, ensuring that civil servants remain focused on their duties and shielded from the uncertainties of politics.
CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and neutrality of the civil service during election periods. He acknowledged the desire of civil servants to contribute to public service improvement but stressed that they must avoid partisan activities to uphold the public trust.
The prohibition applies to all government employees, including permanent, temporary, contractual, and casual workers, as well as uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. Even employees who are on leave are covered by these restrictions.
Prohibited activities include forming or joining organizations or groups to campaign for or against a candidate or party, participating in political rallies, caucuses, or assemblies for campaign purposes, making public speeches or commentaries for or against a candidate or party, distributing campaign materials or literature, and soliciting votes or support for a candidate or party, either directly or indirectly.
Additional restrictions include being a delegate or officer in a political organization, receiving contributions for political purposes, wearing election paraphernalia, and using government resources for political activities.
Despite these restrictions, civil servants are still allowed to vote, express opinions on political issues, and discuss potential candidates, provided they do not explicitly campaign for or against any candidate or party. On social media, government workers may share, like, or follow candidates’ accounts, as long as they do not solicit support.
Violations of these rules carry severe penalties, including suspension for the first offense and dismissal from service for repeat violations, as stipulated under the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.
