The Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Monday, March 17 reminded government employees to avoid any involvement in partisan political activities ahead of the May 2025 elections.

Under the Joint Commission on Elections (Comelec)-CSC Advisory on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activities (Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2016), government employees are strictly prohibited from participating in any form of electioneering.

This includes activities such as forming groups, associations, or committees to solicit votes or campaign for/against a candidate; holding political rallies, caucuses, meetings, or parades for election campaigning; making speeches, announcements, or media commentaries to support or oppose a candidate; publishing, distributing, or displaying campaign materials promoting or opposing a candidate; and directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for a candidate or party.

Other prohibited activities include using government resources—such as time, personnel, facilities, and equipment—for political purposes; providing financial or material contributions to candidates or political parties; wearing campaign-related shirts, pins, caps, or accessories unless authorized by the Comelec; and serving as a watcher for a political party or candidate during the election.

The CSC's guidelines apply to all government personnel, including those in government-owned and controlled corporations and state universities and colleges.

It also includes career officers holding political offices in an acting or officer-in-charge capacity; uniformed and active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police; and even employees on leave of absence.

Violations of these restrictions could lead to severe penalties, such as suspension or dismissal from service.

The CSC also urged responsible social media use, warning employees against sharing or posting political content and engaging in online discussions that could compromise the public’s trust in government institutions.