CARIGARA, Leyte – The Department of Public of Works and Highways (DPWH) reminded its employees to not engage in any political activity, as election period heats up.
DPWH Secretary Mark Villar issued a memorandum dated February 15, 2019 prohibiting employees of the department from engaging in partisan political activity.
As provided in Article XI-B of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, “No officer or employee in the civil service, as well as any member of the military, shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political activity, except to vote.”
Sec. Villar’s mother, Senator Cynthia Villar, is seeking for another term at the Senate in this year’s elections.
According to Engr. Gerald Pacanan, DPWH Leyte second district engineering office head, said that he is constantly reminding all employees regarding this memorandum and urges them to be mindful in expressing their political views and opinions.
“Whether you are a regular or job order employee, as long as you are working in the government, we must adhere to this call, so I constantly remind them about this during meetings and flag-raising ceremonies,” he said.
He added that employees who will violate this rule will be properly sanctioned. Possible penalties include imprisonment of less than one year but not more than six years, as well as dismissal from public service.
“We are civil service workers, so we should practice political neutrality,” he ended.
On March 29, 2019, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and DPWH joined forces in taking down illegal campaign materials along major thoroughfares in Leyte.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
