CSC warns government employees against involvement in partisan political activities

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has reminded all government personnel to remain politically neutral and avoid involvement in partisan political activities in the lead-up to the May 2025 elections.

As outlined in the Joint COMELEC-CSC Advisory on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activities (Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2016), government employees are strictly prohibited from engaging in actions that support or oppose any candidate. The following activities are not allowed:

Establishing or joining organizations, associations, or committees aimed at campaigning for or against a candidate.
Attending or organizing political rallies, meetings, caucuses, or parades intended for electioneering.
Making speeches, announcements, or public statements to endorse or criticize a candidate.
Producing, circulating, or exhibiting campaign materials that promote or oppose any candidate.
Soliciting votes, pledges, or any kind of support for a candidate or political party, whether directly or indirectly.
Misusing government resources—including time, staff, facilities, and equipment—for political purposes.
Donating financial or material support to candidates or political parties.
Wearing campaign-related apparel such as shirts, pins, caps, or accessories, unless permitted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Acting as an election watcher for a political party or candidate during the election period.

Who Falls Under These Rules?

These restrictions apply to all government workers, irrespective of their employment status, including:

Employees in all branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies of the Philippine government.
Workers in government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) with original charters, as well as state universities and colleges (SUCs).
Career officers serving in a political office in a temporary or officer-in-charge (OIC) capacity.
Active and uniformed members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Employees on leave, as they are still subject to electioneering restrictions.

Consequences of Violations

Government personnel who participate in prohibited partisan activities may be subject to administrative penalties under the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RACCS):

First offense: Suspension ranging from one (1) month and one (1) day to six (6) months.
Second offense: Dismissal from government service, which includes forfeiture of benefits and a ban on future public employment.

Proper Use of Social Media

The CSC also stresses the need for responsible social media behavior, as stated in CSC Memorandum Circular No. 12, s. 2020. Government workers must follow these guidelines:

Refrain from posting, sharing, or commenting on political content during work hours.
Avoid using government-provided devices or internet access for political discussions.
Do not engage in online debates or arguments that could erode public confidence in government institutions.
Never share official government information without the necessary authorization.
The CSC encourages all government employees to maintain professionalism, impartiality, and awareness of their roles as public servants—both in person and online.

For additional information, visit www.csc.gov.ph or reach out to the nearest CSC office.