CSC cautions gov't workers about liking, sharing political posts
The Civil Service Commission has cautioned government officials and employees about engaging in partisan political activity, including liking and sharing election-related content on social media "as long as these actions do not solicit support for or against any candidate or party."
In Memorandum Circular No. 03, Series of 2025 dated March 31, the agency reminded civil service officers and employees of Article IX-B, Sec. 4 of the 1987 Constitution, which states, "no officer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political compaign."
The CSC noted that government officers and workers may still like, share, comment on, repost political content on social media, but these should be done responsibly.
"Ang mga opisyal at kawani ay maaaring mag-repost, magbahagi, mag-like, magkomento, o mag-follow sa account ng isang kandidato o partido hangga’t hindi sila tahasang humihingi ng suporta para o laban sa isang kandidato o partido sa panahon ng kampanya," they underscored.
Employees must also 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 avoid disclosing official government information without proper authorization.
"The CSC urges all government employees to remain professional, impartial, and mindful of their responsibilities as public servants, both offline and online," the agency stressed.
However, expressing views on current political issues is still allowed.
"Ang mga kawani ay maaaring bumoto, magpahayag ng pananaw sa mga kasalukuyang suliraning pampulitika, at hayagang magpahayag ng kanilang opinyon o lumahok sa mga talakayan tungkol sa mga posibleng isyu sa nalalapit na halalan," the CSC clarified.
Violators will be punished with a suspension of one month and one day to six months for the first offense and dismissal from service, including loss of benefits and disqualification from future government employment, for the second offense.
The advisory applies to all members of the civil service, including permanent, temporary, contractual, and casual employees, career officers holding political offices, uniformed members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, and employees on leave of absence.
However, an exemption goes to the president and vice president of the country, as well as cabinet members, other elective public officials except barangay officials, personal and confidential staff of the abovementioned officials, and members of the reserve corps of the AFP.
The midterm elections will be held on May 12.
The winning candidates will fill all 317 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate for the 20th Congress of the Philippines.
Local elections will also be held for the executive and legislative branches in every province, city, and municipality in the country.
