By Benjamin Pulta/ PNA
MANILA — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra cautioned members of the National Prosecution Service (NPS) against taking sides of candidates in the upcoming elections.
In Department Circular No. 001 issued Wednesday, Guevarra said “members of the National Prosecution Service are hereby reminded to remain neutral, impartial and non-partisan in the performance of their official duties in relation to the upcoming 2019 National and Local Elections”.
Guevarra underscored that the Constitution and the Administrative Code of 1987 strictly prohibits civil servants from engaging directly or indirectly in any electioneering or partisan political campaign.
“Please be reminded that electioneering or engaging in partisan political activities by one holding a non-political office is a punishable offense. Any violation of the foregoing prohibitory rules shall be strictly and severely dealt with to the extent allowed by existing laws, rules and regulations,” Guevarra said.
Department of Justice spokesperson, Undersecretary Markk Perete also explained that NPS members sit in the provincial, district, city and municipal boards of canvassers (BOC).
BOCs canvass the votes received by each candidate and proclaim election winners.
