Rama warns casual workers: Don't campaign against me

CEBU, Philippines - Rama warned casual City Hall workers that he would not renew their employment if they are caught campaigning against him.

Rama has earlier told City Hall employees to refrain from engaging in political activities and that they should focus on their job.

The mayor met with employees by batch in a closed-door meeting at the Social Hall during the last two days.

“It is just between me and the employees,” Rama said.

The mayor said he just told the employees of his intention to run for next year’s election and his recent decision to break away from the Liberal Party.

He also told the employees to stay non-partisan especially during the campaign period.

Rama admitted he is aware that some employees do not like his administration but said that it does not matter as long as they do their job.

If he receives reports of employees supporting his opponents, Rama said it is hypocrisy to keep them at the City Hall.   

About 3,000 City Hall casual employees have contracts of three to six months with the city government. The next renewal of contracts is in January.

Government employees, whether regular or casual, who engage in partisan activities may be dismissed from public service as they are not allowed to endorse, support or campaign for any candidate during elections.

Article 9 of the Constitution has stated that “no officer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign.”

The Omnibus Election Code also provides that “intervention of public officers and employees shall be guilty of an election offense.”

The Comelec may relieve the officers or employees violating the election law.

These rules are, however, applicable only during the campaign period, which starts 45 days before the election day.

All activities of candidates even after they formally file their COCs are not regulated if the activities do not fall within the campaign period, according to Comelec.

Rama said his meeting with employees cannot be considered a form of campaigning since he is not yet a candidate.

He and the rest of his team are set to file their certificates of candidacy on Friday.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young said that there is nothing new about Rama’s threat.

He said the mayor has been firing people who are not his allies since he bolted BOPK last year.

“Unsa ma’y bag-o ana? Gibuhat naman na niya sa una,” Young said.

Last January, the mayor did not renew some 56 casual employees who were recommended by their superiors for non-renewal.

The Human Resource Development Office said the non-renewal was due to absenteeism, tardiness and other grave offenses./LPM (FREEMAN)