MASBATE CITY (PIA) — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has warned government officials and employees that allowing candidates or their supporters to post campaign posters and banners in their houses or establishments can get them into trouble.
At the Kapihan sa PIA Masbate on Wednesday, CSC Masbate Provincial Director Joy Marifosque emphasized that displaying campaign posters and banners on government workers’ properties constitutes a partisan political activity.
“Bawal ang display ng campaign posters o larawan ng sinumang kandidato sa bahay ng isang empleyado ng gobyerno (The display of campaign posters or pictures of any candidate in a government employee’s home is prohibited) because that is tantamount to showing support for a candidate,” she said.
“Sa gate ng bahay, bawal na bawal po. So kung may inilagay sa inyong gate dapat tanggalin. (It is strictly prohibited at the gate of the house. So if there is anything placed on your gate, you must remove it,” she added.
When reminded by a reporter about the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Diocese of Bacolod v. Comelec, Marifosque clarified: “If the property is owned by a government employee, hindi pwede (no way).”
Marifosque explained that the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Diocese of Bacolod v. Comelec applies only to private citizens.
In Diocese of Bacolod v. Comelec, the High Tribunal upholds the right of private citizens to hang campaign posters and banners in privately owned establishments.
Marifosque said campaign posters and stickers are also not allowed to be displayed in a government employee’s vehicle.
In Memorandum Circular 3, series of 2025, the CSC reminds officials and employees to maintain political neutrality in line with the 1987 Constitution.
Marifosque said the prohibition on engaging in political activity applies to government workers, “even those who are on leave of absence.”
First-time offenders may face suspension of one month up to six months, while the second offense constitutes dismissal from service, she said. (PIA Masbate)
