CSC warns gov’t workers: Don’t like, share political posts of bets

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has warned government officials and employees that engaging in political activity on social media for or against a candidate or party, even something as simple as “liking” or “sharing” a post, can get them into trouble.

The CSC, in Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 03 dated March 31, 2025, reminded all government employees and officials not to directly or indirectly engage in any partisan political activity for the 2025 midterm elections and the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections as mandated by the 1987 Constitution and other laws.

“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 MC read.

Individuals covered by the prohibition are members of the civil service in all branches of the Philippine government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, state universities or colleges, career officers holding political offices, uniformed personnel, and active members of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, and barangay officials.

The CSC said that the prohibition of these acts is in line with the 1987 Constitution mandating that “[no] officer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign” and the reiteration of the Administrative Code of 1987, Omnibus Election Code, and Local Government Unit that “[n]o member of the military shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any partisan political activity, except to vote.”

The MC also cited the Joint Circular No. 001 Series of 2016 of the CSC and the Comelec, which states that other prohibited activities are classified as partisan political activities:

• forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees, or other groups of persons for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate/party
• holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades, or other similar assemblies for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate/party
• Making speeches, announcements, commentaries or holding interviews for or against the election of any candidate/party for public office
• publishing, displaying, or distributing campaign literature or materials designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate/party
• directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for or against a candidate/party
• being a delegate to any political convention, or a member of any political committee or directorate, or an officer of any political club or other similar political organizations
• receiving any contributions for political purposes, either directly or indirectly
• becoming publicly identified with the success or failure of any candidate/s or party/ies
• wearing of t-shirts or pins, caps, or any other similar election paraphernalia bearing the names of the candidates or political party except as authorized by the Commission on Elections
• being a watcher for a political party or candidate during the election
• consistent presence in political rallies, caucuses of, and continuous companionship with certain political candidates and/or political parties in said political activities, causing the employee to be closely identified with such candidate and/or political party
• giving personal, financial, or other monetary contribution, supplies, equipment, and materials for the benefit of a candidate and/or political party
• utilizing government resources such as personnel, including job orders or contract of service hires, time, and properties for political purposes.

READ: PNP chief Marbil: ‘Partisan’ officers to face sanctions

The CSC noted that commission of the prohibited acts constitutes suspension of one month and one day to six months for the first offense and dismissal from the post for the second offense.

However, elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials are to participate in political activities for the 2025 elections based on a Commission on Elections (Comelec) issuance.

READ: Comelec allows Barangay, SK officials to join 2025 campaign activities

The Comelec upheld a Supreme Court ruling that the prohibition against engaging in political activities during the election period only applies to civil service officers and employees and does not include elected officials.