According to the Republic Act No. 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, a Philippine government employee has the right to freedom of expression, which includes the use of social media. However, this right is not absolute and is subject to certain limitations.
Some of the limitations are:
- The employee must uphold public interest over personal interest and avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of impropriety in the performance of their duties.
- The employee must respect the rights and reputation of others and refrain from making false or malicious statements that may harm or discredit them.
- The employee must observe proper decorum and courtesy in their communication and avoid using vulgar, obscene, abusive, or disrespectful language.
- The employee must not disclose or misuse any confidential or classified information obtained by reason of their office or position.
- The employee must not engage in any partisan political activity or propaganda, except during the authorized campaign period.
- The employee must comply with the rules and regulations governing the use of government property, resources, and facilities, including social media platforms.
These limitations are intended to promote a high standard of ethics in public service and to protect the integrity, dignity, and reputation of the government and its officials and employees. Any violation of these limitations may subject the employee to administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions, depending on the gravity of the offense.
Sources:
(1) R.A. 6713 - The Lawphil Project.
https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1989/ra_6713_1989.html.
(2) RULES IMPLEMENTING THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC ....
https://www.ombudsman.gov.ph/docs/republicacts/Implementing_Rules_of_RA_6713.pdf.
(3) Media freedom is the lifeblood of Philippine democracy - East Asia Forum.
https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/11/08/media-freedom-is-the-lifeblood-of-philippine-democracy-and-its-under-threat/.
(4) State of Media Freedom in PH | CMFR.
https://cmfr-phil.org/press-freedom-protection/state-of-media-freedom-in-ph/.
(5) Philippines: Freedom on the Net 2021 Country Report | Freedom House.
https://freedomhouse.org/country/philippines/freedom-net/2021.
(6) Downloads - Civil Service Commission (CSC).
https://www.csc.gov.ph/downloads/category/104-ra-6713-code-of-conduct-and-ethical-standards.
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