PCOO issues memo after Mocha Uson’s ‘pepedede’ video

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has issued a memorandum reminding its officials and employees to be mindful of the content they share on their social networks following the backlash over the ‘pepedederalismo’ video that offended even the allies of President Duterte.

In a one-page memorandum dated Aug. 13, Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy said the PCOO has a role in creating a positive impact towards gender issues and portrayal of women in the media, raising public awareness and shaping public opinion.

“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,” Badoy said.

Badoy, who heads the PCOO’s gender and development efforts, noted that public servants are bound by the provisions of Republic Act 6713 or the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

She cited Section 4 (b) of the law, which states that all public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with “the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill.” The law also requires public servants to enter public service “with utmost devotion and dedication to duty” and to “endeavor to discourage wrong perceptions of their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue patronage.”

The memorandum was released days after PCOO Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson and pro-Duterte blogger Drew Olivar drew flak over an online game show video that critics said maligned federalism.