The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has reiterated its call for government employees to remain politically neutral and avoid engaging in partisan political activities ahead of the May 2025 elections.
In an advisory issued on March 17, 2025, the CSC emphasized the prohibitions under Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2016, issued with the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The circular bars civil servants from campaigning for or against any candidate, organizing political groups, participating in campaign events, making public endorsements, or distributing election materials.
LEGAL BASIS
The directive aligns with Section 55, Chapter 7, Title I, Book 5 of Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987), which states:
“No officer or employee in the Civil Service, including members of the Armed Forces, shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity or take part in any election except to vote, nor shall they use their official authority or influence to coerce the political activity of any other person or body.”
WHO IS COVERED?
The restriction applies to all government personnel, including those in:
- National and local government offices
- Government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs)
- State universities and colleges (SUCs)
- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP)
Employees on leave are also covered by the policy.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATORS
Government employees found violating the rule may face administrative sanctions under the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RACCS):
- First offense: Suspension from one month and one day to six months
- Second offense: Dismissal from service, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from future government employment
SOCIAL MEDIA RESTRICTIONS
The CSC also warned against engaging in political activities on social media, citing Memorandum Circular No. 12, series of 2020. Government employees must avoid:
- Posting, sharing, or commenting on political content during office hours
- Using government-issued devices or internet access for political discussions
- Participating in online debates that may undermine public trust in government institutions
The CSC urged civil servants to uphold professionalism and ensure that government offices remain politically neutral during the election period.
