GOVERNMENT employees in Cebu City and neighboring Mandaue City are being reminded to avoid political engagement on social media platforms as the campaign period for the 2025 midterm elections intensifies.
Henry Tomalabcad, head of Cebu City Hall’s Human Resources and Development Office (HRDO), issued a strong reminder on Saturday, April 12, that public servants should refrain from liking, sharing, or commenting on politically charged content, especially if it is used to solicit votes.
“Before you click, like, or share, make sure it’s not political. That means it is not being used to solicit votes,” Tomalabcad said in an interview.
He clarified that while employees can post or share information related to government services or public information, engaging with content related to candidate endorsements or political promotions could lead to administrative scrutiny.
Tomalabcad warned that government employees found engaging with political content online may face disciplinary action. A first offense could result in a suspension of up to six months, while a repeat offense could lead to termination from government service.
The HRDO chief also reiterated guidelines from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) concerning campaign participation. He noted that coterminous and job order employees may join political campaigns but only outside of official working hours. In contrast, regular and casual employees are strictly prohibited from participating in campaign activities at any time.
“So far, I’m very happy because we’ve been very compliant. Employees have been very conscious and cautious in their use of social media,” Tomalabcad added, reporting that, as of Saturday, no formal complaints had been filed regarding violations.
Meanwhile, in nearby Mandaue City, similar concerns were raised by City Administrator Jamaal James Calipayan.
In an interview on Friday, April 11, Calipayan said that although the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has clear guidelines prohibiting partisan political activity, the application of these rules to social media remains a “gray area.”
“I think that is a gray area which needs to be clarified,” Calipayan said.
He pointed out that social media is a relatively new medium where established legal principles may still require interpretation by higher courts. He added that even simple reactions such as likes, hearts, or emojis could be open to different interpretations, depending on the context.
“What does that mean? I think only the Supreme Court can truly answer and clarify that,” he said.
Calipayan emphasized the importance of neutrality among government workers, reminding employees — especially those not exempted by CSC rules — to avoid partisan political activity altogether.
“To our employees, especially those who are not exempted, do not engage in partisan political activities,” he stressed.
While expressing support for a candidate is not explicitly banned, Calipayan reiterated that public servants must still abide by the CSC’s long-standing policy.
“Whether we support or not, that is a policy of the Civil Service Commission, so we just need to comply,” he added.
The CSC has earlier issued a memo reiterating the prohibition against partisan political activity during the election period, in line with Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The law prohibits government officials and employees from using their position to influence or interfere in political campaigns, ensuring the integrity and neutrality of the civil service.
Calipayan highlighted the increasing role of digital platforms in political discourse, urging employees to be vigilant about their online behavior and avoid any action that may be construed as political endorsement, whether intentional or not. / JPS, CAV