Prescriptions in Civil Service Rules
- Civil service rules must govern:
- Appointment and separation procedures.
- Suspensions, pay deductions, reductions, reinstatements, and transfers.
- Working hours and leave policies, including salary withholdings.
- Travel expenses and half salary allowances.
- Prohibition of discrimination based on examination ratings, political activity, or private business involvement.
Fundamental Requirements for Civil Service Rules
- Civil service rules must:
- Require open competitive entrance exams to evaluate merit and fitness.
- Prescribe promotion examinations when practicable.
- Mandate physical examinations by government physicians, rejecting physically unfit applicants.
- Include a trial service period before confirming permanent appointments.
Publication of Official Roster
- The Commissioner of Civil Service shall publish an Official Roster of eligible candidates at intervals set by the President.
Annual Reporting by the Commissioner
- The Commissioner must report annually to the President on:
- The Bureau's work performed.
- Civil service rules promulgated and their effects.
- Suggestions for maintaining an efficient and honest civil service.
Coverage of Philippine Civil Service
- Encompasses all government branches and subdivisions.
- Appointments, except policy-determining, confidential, or highly technical positions, must be merit-based through competitive exams.
Repeal of Previous Section on Civil Service Employees
- Previous Section 669 of the Administrative Code is repealed.
Unclassified Service Positions
- Includes specific officials such as secretaries, certain appointees by the President, elective officers, staff of heads of departments and legislators, military personnel, low-wage laborers, and positions declared as confidential or technical by the President upon recommendation.
Examination as Prerequisite for Classified Positions
- Appointments require passing a civil service exam.
- Current permanent employees have transitional provisions including up to three years to qualify with three examination attempts.
- Those with ten or more years of continuous satisfactory service qualify for a practical exam with preference.
Exemption from Examination in Unclassified Service
- Unclassified positions are exempt from examination requirements unless otherwise directed by the appointing officer.
Appointment and Role of Examining Committees
- Commissioner may appoint committees or special examiners from government employees to handle examinations and investigations.
- Expenses are borne by the relevant government entity benefiting from the examination.
Citizenship Requirement for Examination
- Only Philippine or United States citizens may be admitted to civil service examinations.
Oath Requirement for Examination Applicants
- Applicants must swear allegiance to the United States and support the Philippine Constitution.
- They must attest to the truthfulness of their examination application.
Filling Classified Service Vacancies
- Appointments should prioritize promotion from competent and available employees within the competitive service.
Repeal of Obsolete Provision on Temporary Employment
- Section 680 repealed.
Temporary and Emergency Appointment Conditions
- Temporary appointments without examination must be authorized by the Commissioner and limited to three months or shorter upon certification.
- Unauthorized temporary appointments may result in liability for payment by appointing officials.
Repeal of Another Obsolete Provision
- Section 683 repealed.
Attendance Records and Reports
- Bureau chiefs must maintain daily attendance records and report monthly absences.
- Falsification leads to summary removal and possible prosecution.
Political Activity Restrictions
- Civil service employees, including military personnel, are prohibited from partisan political activities, forced contributions, or political solicitation.
- Violations result in removal and possible prosecution.
Liability of Disbursing Officers for Illegal Payments
- Disbursing officers paying unauthorized salaries face disallowance of amounts and salary withholding if responsible.
- Certification of illegal holding of positions by the Civil Service Commissioner triggers this process.
Finality of Commissioner Decisions on Service Questions
- Commissioner’s decisions on classification of positions or appointment legality are final unless reversed by the President on appeal.
Grounds and Procedure for Removal or Suspension
- Removal or suspension requires lawful cause.
- The President can suspend top officials pending investigations.
- Bureau chiefs may suspend subordinates for serious misconduct pending investigation.
Administrative Discipline of Subordinates
- The Commissioner may remove, suspend without pay, reduce salary, or deduct pay for neglect or rule violations.
Contract Requirement for U.S.-based Appointees
- Prospective appointees residing in the U.S. must contract to serve at least two years unless released.
- Breach of contract or removal for cause entails repayment of recruitment expenses and forfeiture of salary/travel allowances.
- Breachers are barred from future civil service entry.
Appropriation of Funds
- An appropriation of Forty Thousand Pesos is allocated to cover expenses from extending civil service law coverage.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.