No to partisan political activities — CSC
In line with the coming national elections in 2010, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reminds all government officials and employees holding non-political offices or positions to refrain from directly or indirectly engaging in any partisan political activities.
Based on the Administrative Code of 1987, employees who engage in partisan political activities are liable and may be dismissed from the service.
“As the election is fast approaching, the Commission deems it necessary to remind all public servants not to engage in partisan political activities,” CSC Acting Chair Cesar D. Buenaflor said. “Not too often, public officials and employees have been found guilty of engaging in such, and penalized with dismissal from the service.”
As early as 1998, the CSC has already issued a memorandum circular defining “partisan political activity” as “an act designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates to a public office.” These include specific activities done for or against any candidate, such as forming groups for the purpose of soliciting votes, holding political meetings or rallies, making speeches or holding interviews, publishing or distributing campaign materials, and directly or indirectly soliciting votes.
The CSC adds that being a delegate to any political convention or member of political committees, clubs and organizations are also considered partisan political activity, as well as soliciting or receiving contributions for political purposes or becoming publicly identified with any candidate.
