Gov’t workers picket CSC to protest new head

MANILA, Philippines — Militant government employees picketed the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Quezon City on Friday to protest the appointment of Ricardo L. Saludo as the new CSC head. Radio dzBB's Mao dela Cruz reported that the Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) held a march-rally at the CSC in Batasan Hills. Courage president Ferdinand Gaite questioned the qualifications of Saludo to head the CSC, an independent constitutional body that acts as government's central personnel agency. Saludo, whose was named last April as CSC chairman with a fixed seven-year tenure, was known to be a defender and loyal functionary of President Arroyo since he was appointed secretary to the Cabinet in 2002. Saludo replaced Karina Constantino-David, who is known for her independence. On her retirement, complained of the excesses of the Arroyo administration, noting that last January Arroyo has hired an excess of 81 undersecretaries and assistant secretaries, apart from 53 presidential advisers and presidential assistants, and an unknown number of consultants. Saludo said it was within the workers' rights to protest, but they should bring their complaint to the proper forum. - GMANews.TV