Eligibility for Board Membership
- Board members must be natives of the Philippines loyal to the U.S., or U.S. citizens.
Residency and Compensation of Board Members
- Members must reside in Manila during tenure.
- Annual salary of $3,000 plus travel expenses.
- Chief Examiner receives an additional $500 annually.
Purpose and Duties of the Board
- Establish and maintain an efficient and honest civil service for executive branches.
- Appointments and promotions based on merit, competitive exams where applicable.
- Civil service officers must support the implementation of Board rules.
Scope of Application
- Applies to civilians appointed in executive branches under specified offices and officials, including Military Governor, Philippine Commission, Treasury, Auditor, and others.
Rules and Procedures Adopted by the Board
- Classification of offices and employments.
- Appointment through competitive/noncompetitive exams depending on the office.
- Specific procedures for police, fire department, laborers, and promotions.
- Probationary periods before permanent appointments.
- Conduct of examinations in various Philippine cities and the U.S.
- Transfer and reinstatement rules.
- Language requirements for exams depending on applicant nationality.
- Noncompetitive exams when competitive ones lack participants.
- Physical examination requirements.
- Age limits for entry.
- Collection of applicant information.
- Temporary employment rules capped at 90 days annually.
- Power to adopt additional rules consistent with the Act’s goals.
Reporting and Accountability
- Annual report by the Board to the Military Governor and Philippine Commission.
- Includes proceedings, adopted rules, and improvement suggestions.
Examination Supervision
- The Board supervises and controls all civil service examinations.
- Designates officials or qualified persons to conduct and rate exams.
- Provides for compensation of outside examiners when needed.
Investigative Powers of the Board
- Authority to investigate enforcement matters.
- Power to administer oaths, summon witnesses, and demand documents.
Office and Examination Facilities
- Permanent office established in Manila.
- Public buildings in Manila, Iloilo, and Cebu to be made available for exams.
Notification of Employment Changes
- Heads of offices must promptly inform the Board of appointments, rejections, promotions, transfers, resignations, and vacancies.
- The Board maintains records of these changes.
Enforcement of Compliance
- Board certifies violations of the Act to disbursing and auditing officers.
- Unauthorized salary payments are illegal; auditing officers liable on their official bonds.
Penalties for Corruption and Malfeasance
- Fines up to $1,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both for corrupt practices involving examinations and appointments.
- Applies to both offenders and beneficiaries of corrupt acts.
Prohibition on Political Discrimination
- No inquiry or consideration of political or religious opinions for exams or promotions.
- Disloyalty to the United States disqualifies civil service eligibility.
Oath Requirement for Applicants
- Applicants must take an oath affirming allegiance to the U.S. and obedience to laws before exams.
- Oath administered by justices of peace or Board members.
Restrictions on Political Contributions
- Prohibits giving or receiving money or valuables for political purposes within the civil service.
- Violations punishable by fine, imprisonment, and removal from office.
- No obligation to contribute to political funds or service; solicitation also penalized.
Preference in Appointments
- When qualifications are equal, preference to Philippine natives, then honorably discharged U.S. military personnel.
Exceptions to Examination Requirements
- Certain high offices exempt from examination requirements for entrance or promotion.
- After 18 months, vacancies in these offices filled from assistants without exams.
Transitional Provisions for Current Employees
- Current civil service employees continue unless dismissed.
- Board may require examinations to confirm fitness for their positions.
Exemptions for Public School Teachers
- The Act does not apply to the selection of school teachers; special legislation governs them.
Promulgation of Rules
- Board's rules promulgated by executive order of the Military Governor.
Temporary Appointments Prior to Implementation
- Temporary appointments allowed until the Board certifies ready eligible lists.
- Temporary appointees may participate in regular examinations.
Monetary References
- All monetary sums refer to United States currency.
Certification of Existing Employees and Duties
- Heads of offices must certify all employees, their duties, and compensation upon Board request.
Eligibility for Competitive Examinations
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Philippine natives, or individuals with rights acquired under the Treaty of Paris.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon passage and is known as the "Civil Service Act."