DepEd employees, teachers warned vs electioneering

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Tuesday reminded public school teachers and other education officials not to engage in partisan political activities in the upcoming midterm elections.

“The Constitution mandates that no officer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign,” Briones said in a press briefing.

“The same applies to our officials, teachers, and employees. The Department of Education (DepEd) must maintain its focus on non-partisan public service and remain a beacon of integrity in these times,” she added.

In an order issued in November, the secretary said employees who would engage in political activities may face administrative sanctions.

“All DepEd officials (including third-level officials), teaching and non-teaching personnel, are prohibited from engaging in any electioneering or partisan political activity, subject to exclusion (identified by the Civil Service Commission),” the order read.

“DepEd officials are prohibited from using their position of authority to influence teaching and/or non-teaching personnel under their supervision or jurisdiction to support any preferred candidate or political party,” it added.

Prohibited acts include forming organizations for the purpose of soliciting votes or campaigning for a candidate or party; holding political caucuses, campaigns or rallies; making speeches for or against any candidate or party; publishing, displaying and distributing campaign materials; and directly or indirectly soliciting votes for a candidate or party.