With just a week left before the midterm elections, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reminded all staff to keep information private and avoid any involvement in politics when carrying out government programs and services.

In a memorandum released Tuesday (May 6), Gatchalian said:
“In line with the upcoming National and Local Elections on May 12, 2025, including the BARMM Parliamentary Elections, all DSWD officials, employees, and personnel are reminded to protect the privacy and confidentiality of any information related to the Department’s programs.”

He also gave the same reminder to parent-leaders (PLs) of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), who may have access to information about other beneficiaries.

Gatchalian emphasized that while PLs have the right to vote and support any candidate, they are not allowed to share any DSWD-related information with anyone. This includes records or data they may know about because of their role as PLs in their communities.

He warned that sharing such information without proper authorization is a serious offense and may result in disciplinary action, legal consequences, and other penalties under the law.