Comelec employees told: Don’t ‘ogle, mob’ candidates By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 04:31pm (Mla time) 02/09/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded its officials and employees not to “ogle” or “mob” celebrities filing their certificates of candidacy.
In a memorandum to all Comelec department and office directors and personnel, Comelec executive director Pio Jose Joson observed that many leave their work during office hours and wait “to ogle, if not virtually mob” the more famous candidates.
“Considering that the 14 May 2007 national and local elections are barely three months away, let us dutifully perform our functional duties and focus on our preparations,” Joson said.
He noted too that some female Comelec employees have become “unruly” in trying to hug, kiss, or have photographs taken with the candidates.
“Such behavior and unbecoming attitude of adults who even shriek is not the proper decorum of supposed lady or public officers/employees,” he said, noting that these actuations are not in accordance with the Civil Service Rules and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standard for Comelec Officers and Employees.
Joson reminded his colleagues and subordinates at the poll body that while they may support a candidate, this support must not be expressed publicly as it might create doubt in the Comele's “capacity to maintain neutral actions and decisions during the entire electoral process.”