CSC to government employees: Stay neutral

CEBU, Philippines — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has reminded government employees to uphold political neutrality and to avoid engaging in partisan political activities ahead of the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.

Under joint Commission on Elections (Comelec) -CSC Advisory on electioneering and partisan political activities (Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2016), government employees are strictly prohibited from doing some acts.

These acts include from forming groups, associations, or committees to solicit votes or campaign for/against a candidate; holding political rallies, caucuses, meetings, or parades for election campaigning, and making speeches, announcements, or media commentaries to support or oppose a candidates.

Also publishing, distributing, or displaying campaign materials promoting or opposing a candidate; directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for a candidate or party; using government resources—such as time, personnel, facilities, and equipment for political purposes, are prohibited.

Furthermore, it is also prohibited for government employees to provide financial or material contributions to candidates or political parties; wearing of campaign-related shirts, pins, caps, or accessories, unless authorized by the Comelec; and serving as a watcher for a political party or candidate during the election.

The CSC said that these prohibitions apply to all government employees, regardless of appointment status, including personnel in all branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies of the Philippine government; employees of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) with original charters and state universities and colleges (SUCs); career officers holding political offices in an acting or officer-in-charge capacity; uniform and active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP); and employees on leave of absence, as they are still covered by the electioneering prohibitions.

The CSC added that government employees who engage in prohibited partisan political activities may face administrative sanctions under the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RACCS).

The penalty carries for the first offense, suspension of one (1) month and one day to six months; and second offense, dismissal from service, including loss of benefits and disqualification from future government employment.

The CSC also reminded employees to use social media responsibly, in line with CSC Memorandum Circular 12, Series of 2020, which states "they should not post, share, or comment on political content during office hours; avoid using government-issued devices or internet for political discussions; refrain from engaging in online arguments or discussions that could compromise public trust in government institutions; and not to disclose official government information without proper authorization."

The CSC also urged all government employees to remain professional, impartial, and mindful of their responsibilities as public servants, both offline and online. — JG (FREEMAN)