CSC Caraga officials remind gov’t workers on responsible social media use
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA)—In an episode of the Kapihan sa PIA, two officials from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Caraga called on all their fellow government workers to practice discernment and etiquette within online platforms, particularly on social media.
Part of the lined up activities of the CSC Caraga in celebration of the 2025 Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) was the Kapihan sa PIA on August 26, which served as an avenue for them to share to the public—especially civil servants—the upcoming events in relation to the celebration, give updates on the policy amendments of the commission, and also to answer emerging issues affecting civil servants.
Attorney Maria Jonika G. Romano, attorney VI of the CSC Caraga, referred to the ‘Rules of Evidence’ under remedial law as basis for her discussion which provides that posts on social media may be considered as electronic evidence, thus, may be used in the filing of cases.
“Under our ‘Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service’ (RACS), as employees who are governed by our code of ethical standards, let us be mindful with our posts on social media as these may be taken against us,” said Romano.
“However, in the spirit of due process, there must still be a complaint filed against a certain government employee before such evidence will be processed and before specific sanctions will be imposed. A complaint may be initiated by any interested party may it be an individual or even the agency heads themselves,” she added.
Romano also emphasized that although most of the administrative cases stem from the alleged unsatisfactory performance of civil servants’ functions in their respective offices, complaints related to their personal issues and conduct may also be grounds for the filing of administrative cases against them, especially if these issues affect the image of their agency and of the entire government.
Marilyn T. Yballa, chief of the Public Assistance and Liaison Division of CSC Caraga also expressed her sentiments on the issue of social media etiquette especially for applicants who are aspiring to work in the government.
“You should always be careful because when you apply for a position in the public service, during the recruitment process, the recruiter—in this case, the government agency—may use your social media accounts as a platform in conducting their background investigation,” she reminded.
“Unreasonable rants, constant bashing, and other undesirable posts on your social media account may be considered red flags for your prospective employer. Because when you post, you are not only representing yourself, but the image of your agency, as well. And whether you like it or not, whatever you post will always reflect on the reputation of your office,” Yballa further added.
The two CSC Caraga officials ended their discussion with an advice to current and aspiring civil servants to always practice caution in their every action and in every decision they make. And that good behavior must not be confined to the four corners of the office but must always be manifested by each government employee in all public places and even in the digital world. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)
