By Alexandria Dennise San Juan
A week before the midterm polls, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reminded its officers and employees that engaging in partisan campaigning and any political activities are prohibited.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) (MANILA BULLETIN)
But the agency explained that they are nevertheless allowed and free to express their personal opinion and vote for their chosen candidates.
"The LTFRB is an apolitical and non-partisan agency mandated to provide safe, convenient and dependable public transport services to all commuters across the country," the agency said.
According to the LTFRB, the order against electioneering and the conduct of partisan political activity serves as a reminder to government officers and employees to abide by Executive Order 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987, particularly Section 55, Title I, Book V.
Based on the order, "no officer or employee in the Civil Service, including members of the Armed Forces, shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity or take part in any election except to vote nor shall he use his official authority or influence to coerce the political activity or any other person or body."
The LTFRB warned those who will found guilty of engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities that they will be meted a penalty of one month and one day to six months suspension for the first offense and dismissal from service for the second offense as stated in the rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.