Timely reminder
THE Civil Service Commission (CSC) has reminded government personnel not to engage in political partisan activities as the May 12 off-season national and local elections approach.
As public servants, all government employees, regardless of employment status, must always adhere to strict political neutrality.
Even government officials and employees on leave are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities.
As listed by the CSC, public servants are prohibited from even displaying or distributing election campaign materials.
They are also banned from wearing election campaign-related t-shirts, caps and other accessories unless authorized by the poll body.
Likewise, public servants are not allowed to serve as poll watchers on election day.
Violators face administrative sanctions. For the first offense, a violator is suspended for one month and one day to six months.
For the second offense, a violator will be dismissed from the service and disqualified from holding any future government position.
The CSC issued the reminder as local candidates – congressmen, governors, vice governors, provincial board members, mayors, vice mayors and councilors – prepare for the start of the campaign period.
These candidates start campaigning on March 28 (Friday), while national candidates – senators and party-list groups – started campaigning February 11.
Ingat lang mga kaibigan. Baka makunan kayo ng video o picture na nangagampanya eh kawawa kayo.
