By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) local office here has warned all government employees and civil servants to refrain from participating in partisan political activities.
Even just a simple “like”, “share” or “comment” in social networking sites like Facebook can mean partisanship, according to lawyer Marino V. Salas, the newly installed provincial election supervisor of Ilocos Norte.
Reiterating the call of the Civil Service Commission, Mr. Salas urged government workers to be extra cautious when sharing and liking social media posts of candidates in this year’s elections as this is already a form of electioneering and may result to dismissal from service.
“All government employees with or without regular positions are not allowed to participate in partisan political activity. Except those who are appointed as confidential agents of politicians. That’s a basic law,” Mr. Salas explained.
Under Section 1.4.e of Comelec En Banc Resolution No. 10049 promulgated on February 1, 2016, government workers are prohibited directly or indirectly to solicit votes, pledges or support for or against any candidate.
“We have deputized all concerned agencies, NGOs to help and assist us. Without your help, we will not have an honest, safe and orderly elections,” Mr. Salas underscored.
Meanwhile, several job order and contractual employees of the Office of Barangay Affairs under the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte have already resigned so they could campaign freely for their respective political bets.