Immigration Bureau bans employees from taking ‘Tiktok’ videos while in uniform
The
Bureau of Immigration (BI) has banned its personnel from posting videos while
in uniform dancing, singing and other performing acts using the social
networking service called Tiktok.
Immigration
Commissioner Jaime H Morente said it was imposed to strictly enforce the bureau’s
regulations on wearing of the office uniform, whose integrity must be upheld at
all times because it represents the institution of the Philippine immigration
service.
Morente
further said that “Our policy on the
wearing of the BI uniform is clear. As public servants and supposed model
Filipinos, employees must proudly wear their uniform at all times, present a
professional image to the public and observe proper decorum and good taste in
all their action while they are on duty.”
He
warned that by taking such videos of themselves while duty, immigration
employees are violating a standard directive prohibiting the use of cellphone
and other electronic devices while they are on duty, as well as the Bureau’s
social media policy.
As
stated in their Internal Social Media Policy, “Immigration personnel must adhere with the Code of Conduct and Ethical
Standards for Public Officials and Employees with respect to their actions online,
and to desist from behaviors that would bring disrepute to public service. All
employees were likewise ordered to OBSERVE PROPER DECORUM on social media to
protect the integrity of the agency.”
Morente
warned employees who defy the ban may be charged administratively for
insubordination and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service.