Gov’t employees warned against partisan politics

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
Civil Service Commission (CSC) 11 regional director Annabelle B. Rosell yesterday warned that government employees who will be caught engaging in partisan activities for the 2016 election will face administrative sanctions.
Speaking to reporters in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum, Rosell said as a general rule, government officials and employees, “especially those that we call career and those who are not holding office… are prohibited from engaging directly or indirectly in any electioneering or partisan political activity.”
Rosell defined electioneering as any act that will support the candidacy of certain politicians and the defeat of their opponents.
She said prohibited acts include forming a group showing support for certain candidates, being a member of a political party, and soliciting money for or against certain candidates.
Rosell said making speeches, advertisements, or interviews in support of any candidate or even the simple act of wearing t-shirts with the name of the candidate are considered as electioneering.
“Wearing pins and now there are ballers are also considered as partisan activity,” she said.
She also reminded government employees not to engage in political issues in social media.
“We also advise government employees to refrain from commenting, sharing, and liking because it may be interpreted as you supporting this particular candidate,” she said.
Rosell said under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, all government employees and officials should not be partisan. This is also stipulated in Republic Act 2260 the Civil Service Act of 1959, she added.
Rosell said the employees found guilty of committing the violation on the first offense faces up to six months of preventive suspension. For the second offense, the penalty is dismissal from the service.