Attached is a Regional Unnumbered Advisory, from Estela L. Cariño, Ed.D., CESO IV, Office of the Regional Director, DepEd Cagayan Valley dated March 21, 2019, entitled “Non-Engagement in Partisan Political Activities”, which is self-explanatory, for the information and guidance of all concerned.
Non-Engagement in Partisan Political Activities
In line with the upcoming 2019 National and Local Elections, you are hereby ADVISED to educate, remind or cautioned all teachers, faculty and staff within your jurisdiction or direct supervision not to engage in any partisan political activities.
Specifically, under CSC Memorandum Circular (M.C.) No. 30, s. 2009, the following should be avoided, to wit:
- 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;
- Holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades or other similar assemblies, for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking for or against the election of any candidate for public office;
- Making speeches, announcements or commentaries, or holding interviews for or against the election of any candidate for public office;
- Publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate; or
- Directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for or against a candidate;
- 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;
- making speeches or publications to draw political support in behalf of any particular party or candidate for public office; soliciting or receiving contribution for political purposes, either directly or indirectly;
- and becoming publicly identified with the success or failure of any candidate/s or party/is are also considered partisan political activities and are grounds for disciplinary action
Additionally, CSC Memorandum Circular No. 9, series of 1992 also identifies the following as prohibited acts:
- Using government vehicles in attending political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades, or other similar assemblies/activities conducted by a political party or candidates;
- Posting and distributing of campaign materials/leaflets/banners/ stickers designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate;
- Wearing of t-shirts or pins, caps, or any other similar election paraphernalia bearing the names of the candidates and/or political party except as authorized by the Commission on Elections;
- Registering as a member of any political club/party or any other political organization;
- 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 party is said political activities, causing an employee to be closely identified with such candidate and/or with political party;
- Giving personal financial or other monetary contribution, supplies, equipment, and materials for the benefit of a candidate and/or political party;
- Utilizing properties, supplies, materials, and equipment of the government for political purposes;
- Any other circumstances that may be considered analogous with that of the aforementioned.
Be further informed that those who will be found guilty of engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities will be meted with a penalty of one (1) month and one (1) day to six (6) months suspension for the first offense; and dismissal from the service for the second offense according to the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service or 2017 RACCS (CSC Resolution No. 1701077 dated July 3, 2017). (CSC)
For your information, guidance and appropriate action.
