By JUN RAMIREZ
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has banned its employees from posting videos of themselves dancing, singing and performing other acts while wearing their official uniform via the social networking service called TiKtoK.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the prohibition was imposed to strictly enforce the bureau’s regulations on the wearing of the BI uniform, whose integrity must be upheld at all times because it represents the institution of the Philippine immigration service.
“Our policy on the wearing of the BI uniform is clear. As public servants, 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 actions while they are on duty,” Morente said.
He added that the posting of such videos on social media by BI employees undermines the reputation of the bureau and creates a negative image for the agency’s personnel, especially the frontline immigration officers.
Morente further warned that by taking such videos of themselves when they are at work, BI employees are violating a standing directive prohibiting the use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets while they are on duty.
The BI’s Internal Social Media Policy states that “BI 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”.
The order came after several videos of airport immigration officers on TiKtoK surfaced online. The BI chief described the videos as “reckless” which belittles the image of the bureau.
He warned that employees who defy the ban may be charged administratively for insubordination and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service.
