Recruitment and Appointment under Magna Carta for Public Social Workers (R.A. No. 9433)
- Selection and appointment based on merit and fitness principles.
- Government social work agencies must be headed by registered social workers, except for cabinet and non-career positions.
- Priority given to registered social workers when filling social work positions.
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. No. 9433
- Enforces merit and fitness and prioritizes registered social workers for all government social work positions.
- Definition of priority: no appointment of non-licensed social workers if a licensed applicant is available.
- Incumbent social workers not registered may remain until resignation, transfer, or retirement.
- Upon vacancy, appointment must be of a qualified registered social worker.
Purpose of the Joint Memorandum Circular
- To implement Section 5 of R.A. No. 9433, amending Local Government Code Section 483 relative to professional qualifications of social welfare and development officers.
Additional Qualifications Set by the Circular
- Provincial, city, and municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers must be registered social workers in addition to existing qualifications.
Appointment Procedures and Priority
- Registered social workers are prioritized for social worker positions.
- Local Chief Executives cannot appoint non-licensed social workers if licensed applicants exist.
Vested Rights of Incumbent Social Workers
- Non-registered incumbents maintain their positions until resignation, transfer, or retirement.
- They cannot be promoted without meeting required qualifications.
- Their eventual replacements must be qualified registered social workers.
Professional Development Encouragement
- Social workers encouraged to attend trainings and capability building to meet qualifications for advancement.
Monitoring Compliance
- The Civil Service Commission monitors adherence through appointment processing and approval in all government agencies and LGUs.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Local Chief Executives violating the Circular may face administrative action under Civil Service Laws and criminal liability under RA No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any part of the Circular does not affect the remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- Circular effective 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Copy deposited with the National Administrative Register at the University of the Philippines Law Center.