Law Summary
Legal Profession as a Specialized and Technical Field
- Law practice requires completion of a recognized four-year graduate law program.
- Passing the Bar Examination, conducted by the Supreme Court, is mandatory to practice law.
Bar Examination Recognized as Civil Service Examination
- RA No. 1080 designates bar examinations as a form of civil service examination for classified service appointments.
- No distinction is made between undergraduate and graduate degree programs related to civil service appointments.
Granting of CES Officer Rank to Graduate Degree Holders in Law
- Previous EOs grant CES Officer ranks to graduates of specific graduate programs (MPSA, MNSA).
- Government personnel with graduate law degrees and bar passage, especially in legal executive positions, deserve similar CES Officer ranks.
Role of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB)
- CESB prescribes entrance to the CES.
- CESB evaluates recommendations and qualifications for ranking.
Executive Power and Control
- The President exercises control and supervision over all executive departments, including CES.
Section 1: Grant of CES Officer Rank
- Legal officers/employees in the executive service with graduate law degrees and bar passage to be granted at least CESO III rank.
- Includes corresponding salary grades and privileges.
Section 2: Determination of Rank Level
- Rank level decided upon:
- Recommendation from respective department or agency head.
- Evaluation by CESB.
- Factors include:
- Officer's position in government.
- Academic honors.
- Bar or board exam ratings.
Section 3: Rank Vesting and Legal Protections
- CESO rank vests upon compliance with Section 1 requirements; it does not expire.
- Does not affect security of tenure or other rights under existing laws and regulations.
Section 4: Repealing Clause
- Conflicting orders, rules, or regulations are repealed or modified accordingly to align with this Executive Order.