GOVERNMENT employees, beware.
Liking, sharing, or reporting a meme or a campaign jingle of a political party or a candidate in the May 12, 2025 elections could land you in a heap of trouble.
In fact, merely commenting on or following a political aspirant’s account or his party’s account may also fall under prohibited “partisan political activity,” according to the CSC Memorandum Circular No. 03, s. 2025 signed by Commission chairperson Marilyn Yap on March 31, 2025.
“Government officials and employees are further reminded to be prudent when using social media. Social media functions such as “liking, comment, sharing, re-posting, or following a candidate’s or party’s account are considered as partisan political activity if these are resorted to as means to solicit support for or against a candidate or party during the campaign period,” the CSC said in the circular.
And since the online campaign is going all day and all night, the Commission said violations may be committed “not only during but also outside office hours,” as well as outside office premises.
This warning applies not just to members of the civil service in government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges. It likewise covers those whose employment is permanent, temporary, contractual, or casual; and career officers holding political posts in acting capacity, uniformed members of the military and the Philippine National Police, and barangay officials.
Going on vacation or official travel? The work might stay in the office, but the admonition will tag along.
“The prohibition applies to these persons even when they are on leave of absence,” the CSC said.
Violation of the ban against partisan political activities is punishable by suspension for one month and one day for the first offense. Repeat it and the offender had better find a job elsewhere.
The CSC’s cautionary words are in addition to other banned activities relative to an election, like forming groups to solicit votes or campaign for/against a candidate; holding political rallies or parades for election campaigning; making commentaries to support or oppose a candidate; publishing, distributing, or displaying campaign materials; directly or indirectly soliciting votes for a candidate or part; 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 or accessories without authorization from the Commission on Elections; and serving as a watcher for a political party or candidate during the election.
