DENR dissuades staff from posting negative comments vs gov’t

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Monday issued a memorandum discouraging its employees from posting negative comments against the government on social media amid the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In the memorandum issued by DENR Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Marcos Dacanay, all employees, including those under contract of service were advised not to “comment or post negative on social media against the government.”

“As a government employee, we should exemplify discipline to the community and promote cooperation to the government,” it added.

DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda confirmed the issuance of the memorandum to GMA News Online, saying it was a reminder to their employees that what was needed now was support instead of negativity.

“We just reminded them the government does not deserve negative comments now. What we need is support coming from our constituents, from our people” he said.

Antiporda added that the DENR was not curtailing the freedom of speech but was just reminding its employees to be positive amid the unprecedented situation.

As of Monday, the Philippines has recorded a total of 3,660 COVID-19 infections with 163 deaths and 73 recoveries. — DVM, GMA News