CSC to elected, appointed officials: Shun nepotism

 As new officials take over the affairs of government, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Tuesday reminded them to observe the rules against nepotism.

"Generally, appointments in the civil service should be based on merit and fitness to ensure a competent and professional workforce. There are rules and qualification standards that must be considered when choosing to appoint people in government," CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala said in a press statement.

Executive Order 292 or the Administrative Code prohibits officials from appointing relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the third degree to the civil service or government-owned agencies, or instrumentalities including government owned or controlled corporations.

The rule on nepotism covers all kinds of appointments whether original, promotional, transfer and reemployment, regardless of status, including casuals and contractuals.

Bala said nepotism compromises the hiring and promotion process in government, degrading the morale of incumbent civil servants and setting aside more qualified individuals from being considered for employment.

The CSC warned that nepotism is a grave administrative offense punishable by dismissal from the service.

Exempted from this rule, however, are teachers, physicians, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, scientific and technology personnel under Republic Act 8439, and primarily confidential positions such as administrator (provincial/city/municipal), executive assistant, private secretary, and driver.

Also exempted are those involved in the personal security of elective or appointive officials, as well as the personal staff of elective officials, department heads, other Cabinet officials whose tenure is at the pleasure of the President, and chairpersons and members of commissions and boards with fixed terms of office. — Virgil Lopez/VVP, GMA News