OCT.

04, 2013

NR # 3246

Grant temporary or contractual public employees security of tenure solon

A lawmaker has filed a bill granting permanent status to temporary or contractual government employees who have rendered a total of ten years of efficient service. Rep. George Arnaiz (2nd District, Negros Oriental) filed House Bill 2348, which covers all incumbent employees of the national government, corporations, as well as local government units in the first and second levels. Arnaiz cited the policy of the State, which declares to harness its human resources as a critical strategy to achieve and sustain economic development and be given the equal opportunity at gainful employment with security of tenure. Many of these employees have served for more than ten years and yet, they can be removed anytime because they cannot enjoy security of tenure under the law, Arnaiz said. Arnaiz said once they are granted security of tenure by their respective offices, they should not be removed from office unless for cause as provided for in the civil service law. Arnaiz also noted that these employees should not be entitled to any permanent appointment until such time that they have obtained the appropriate eligibility requirement. Under the bill, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) is mandated to formulate performance evaluation standards to determine qualified employees under this Act. The CSC is also directed to promulgate rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the proposal. In consonance with social justice and to harness existing human resources and to develop the talents and experience of these contractuals, it is about time that the State grants security of tenure to them, Arnaiz stressed. (30) lvc