THE Civil Service Commission (CSC) has reminded government employees to uphold political neutrality ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
Under Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2016, issued with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), government workers are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities, including the following:
* forming groups, associations, or committees to solicit votes or campaign for or against a candidate;
* holding political rallies, caucuses, meetings, or parades for election campaigning;
* making speeches, announcements, or media commentaries to support or oppose a candidate;
* 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;
* providing financial or material contributions to candidates or political parties;
* wearing 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 rule applies to all government employees, including those on leave.
Violators face administrative sanctions under the 2017 RACCS—suspension for the first offense and dismissal for the second.
Employees must also use social media responsibly per CSC Memorandum Circular No. 12, s. 2020, by avoiding political posts during work hours, not using government devices for political discussions, and maintaining professionalism online. The CSC emphasized the need for impartiality and integrity in public service.