DENR to employees: Do not post negative comments on gov't COVID-19 response

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 6) - As critics take to social media to air their grievances against the Duterte administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic, government employees are discouraged from taking part.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) told employees not to post negative comments or criticize the government's response to COVID-19 online.

In an internal memorandum obtained by CNN Philippines, DENR Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Marcos Dacanay told agency heads to advise all their employees, including those under contract of service, to refrain from posting anti-government sentiment online.

"As a government employee, we should exemplify discipline to the community and promote cooperation to the government," the memorandum said.

Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda confirmed to CNN Philippines the issuance of the internal memorandum, saying it was an informal reminder to employees.

"Our Asst. Secretary for Admin relayed the message to all ARDs na naka-monitor ang Malacañang sa mga comment nila; na ‘wag naman sanang negative comments," Antiporda told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: Our Asst. Secretary for Admin relayed the message to all ARDs that Malacañang is monitoring their comments, and that they hope there are no negative comments.]

Antiporda clarified that the department is not curtailing freedom of speech.

"You can come up with constructive criticism. There’s no curtailment of freedom of speech here," he said.

"Yung 'oust Duterte,' I don’t think it’s fair. Being a government official or employee, you don’t bite the hand that feeds you," Antiporda added.

[Translation: The 'oust Duterte,' I don't think it's fair. Being a government official or employee, you don’t bite the hand that feeds you.]

The memo urged employees to unite and support the government in the fight against COVID-19.