Memo out for PCOO staff, execs: Be ‘mindful’ of actions on social media

PCOO Usec. Lorraine Marie Badoy. Photo by INQUIRER.net

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has issued a memorandum to its officials and employees, reminding them to be “mindful“ of their behavior whether it be on social media or before the press.

PCOO Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, who is also PCOO”s chair for gender and development, issued the memorandum on August 13 following the controversial “I-pepe-dede-ralismo” jingle-video of her colleague, PCOO Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.

READ: ‘I-pepe-dede-ralismo’ video sparks outrage

Uson and pro-Duterte blogger Drew Olivar got widespread criticisms for their lewd video on federalism.

INQUIRER.net obtained a copy of the memorandum.

“As the Chair of the PCOO’s Gender and Development, the undersigned would like to remind you along with all officials and employees of our role in creating a positive impact towards gender issues and portrayal of women in the media since we play a crucial role in raising public awareness and shape public opinion,” Badoy said in her memorandum.

“Hence, please be mindful of the content you post or share on your personal social media accounts, as well as other publications and press releases your office may publish,” she added.

Mocha Uson and Andrew-Olivar. Screengrab from Facebook / Mocha Uson Blog

Badoy also reminded his colleagues that as public servants, they are bound by Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

“Public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill. They shall enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to duty. They shall endeavor to discourage wrong perceptions of their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue patronage,” Badoy pointed out citing RA 6713.

Aside from Uson’s controversial federalism video, the PCOO has drawn flak from the public for its erroneous press releases and posts on its social media accounts.  /kga