THE Office of the Public Auditor has issued a memorandum reminding government officials and employees not to use government time and resources for political activities.
In her letter to all departments, agencies, public corporations and autonomous agencies, temporary Public Auditor Dora Deleon Guerrero said OPA has received multiple complaints about the use of government time and property for political purposes.
She said, “If substantiated, these complaints amount to violation of the Commonwealth Ethics Code Act, which includes an absolute prohibition on the use of government time, money or resources for political activity.”
Deleon Guerrero asked all department and agency heads to remind their employees of this “absolute prohibition” as “we get closer to the election.”
She also urged them to post a copy of her memorandum in a conspicuous place at their offices, and report any inappropriate political activities to OPA.
She said recent complaints include allegations of selling political fundraiser tickets for political candidates during working hours, use of government computers and cellular phones to advertise political fundraising events and to solicit donations.
“These activities, if substantiated, would constitute criminal acts and subject participation of public employees and officials to judicial sanctions,” Deleon Guerrero said.
“Other common unlawful activities in the government workplace include the sale of plate lunches to benefit a political candidate, sale of tickets to political fundraisers and the recruiting of volunteers for political campaign activities. None of these activities should occur in government offices or on government time,” Deleon Guerrero added.
She asked government officials to assist OPA in upholding the law and to keep politics out of the government workplace.
“Set the tone at the top so that such activities will not be tolerated. Violations may be reported anonymously at OPA’s website, www.opacnmi.com or by telephone at (670) 322-3937. Complaints will be investigated diligently and, when substantiated, referred for prosecution,” Deleon Guerrero said.
