With the upcoming election season, the UPLB Human Resources Development Office (HRDO) organized a webinar on political neutrality in the workplace to remind public servants of their responsibility to serve only the university’s interests.

The webinar, “Stay Neutral, Stay Legal: Election Do’s and Don’ts for Public Servants,” was broadcast live on Facebook and Zoom on March 11, 2025.

Vice Chancellor for Administration Rolando T. Bello opened the session by discussing the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines (Batas Pambansa Blg. 881).

Emphasizing the importance of ensuring just, honest, and representative electoral processes, he said, “Habang tinatalakay natin ang paksang ito, tatalakayin natin ang mga responsibilidad at limitasyon na ipinapataw sa lahat ng mga kasangkot sa proseso ng halalan—mula sa mga kandidato, partidong politikal, pati na ang mga botante, lalo na ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan. Mahalaga ang pagsunod sa mga patakarang ito upang mapanatili ang integridad ng demokrasya.”

(We will discuss the responsibilities and limitations imposed on everyone involved in the election—from the candidates and political parties to the voters, especially government employees. Adhering to these rules is essential to maintaining the integrity of democracy.)

The webinar resource speaker,  Development Management Officer Melo-Jean Triños-Peralta of the UPLB Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, provided an in-depth discussion on legal frameworks and prohibited acts for government employees.

She explained that public servants must uphold political neutrality, avoid political discussions at work, refrain from solicitations, and lead by example in maintaining a nonpartisan environment.

She also emphasized the need for caution in online engagements, reminding government employees to think before posting, maintain professionalism on social media, and report misinformation while following official policies.

In his closing remarks, HRDO Director Roderick C. Javar reiterated the importance of compliance with election-related policies to ensure fairness and integrity in public service.

He expressed his hope that the webinar clarified concerns about government employees’ conduct during the campaign period and election season.

At the end of the webinar, Triños-Peralta gave participants a final reminder: “You are serving the people, not a political party. That is the spirit of the Constitution. When in doubt, don’t do it.” The webinar recording is available on the UPLB HRDO YouTube channel and the HRDO website. (Yra E. Bautista)