Justice Secretary issues circular imposing neutrality and non-partisanship

By Jeffrey Damicog

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has warned government prosecutors from engaging in electioneering and partisan political activities.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (CZAR DANCEL / MANILA BULLETIN)

Guevarra made the warning in the Department Circular No. 001 addressed to the National Prosecution Service (NPS) issued on Wednesday.

In the circular, the Secretary told members of the NPS “to remain neutral, impartial and non-partisan in the performance of their duties in relation to the upcoming 2019 National and Local Elections.”

Guevarra cited that 1987 Constitution prohibits employees in the civil service from engaging “directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign.”

Also, he cited that this is prohibited under the provisions of Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987), Republic Act 7160 (the Local Government Code of 1991), and the Batas Pambansa Blg. 881(the Omnibus Election Code), among others.

“Please be reminded that electioneering or engaging in partisan political activities by one holding a non-political office is a punishable offense,” he stated.

“Any violation foregoing prohibitory rule shall be strictly and severely dealt with to the extent allowed by existing laws, rules and regulations,” he warned.

The circular was issued considering that members of the NPS sit at the various Boards of Canvassers (BOC) at the provincial, district, city and municipal levels.

BOCs canvass the votes received by each candidate and proclaim election winners on the basis of votes canvassed.