MANILA, Philippines — Former Bayan Muna lawmaker Ferdinand Gaite and union leader Santiago Dasmariñas have asked the Supreme Court to declare as unconstitutional a Civil Service Commission (CSC) memorandum banning government workers from engaging in partisan political activities.
In a 28-page petition filed Friday, Gaite and Dasmariñas, president of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition, and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), challenged CSC Memorandum Circular 03-2025 and the COMELEC-CSC Joint Circular 001-2016.
The petitioners are also seeking a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction pending the high court’s decision.
The challenged issuances prohibit civil servants from expressing political support or engaging in partisan acts during the campaign period for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.
Atty. Neri Colmenares, legal counsel for the petitioners, said the circular violates freedom of expression and assembly guaranteed by the Constitution.
Colmenares emphasized that government workers retain their rights as private citizens outside work hours and premises.
“If a government employee believes a candidate deserves to lead, they have the right to express that belief,” he said.
He added that attending political rallies during personal time, outside office hours and government grounds, should not be prohibited.
The petition raises broader questions about the balance between public service neutrality and civil liberties during election season.
