Abra pols ‘harassing’ workers as polls near; CSC sets rules

By Maria Teresa B. Benas

BANGUED, Abra – Government employees in the province are reportedly being harassed by incumbent politicians who have doubts on their “loyalty” and support as the May polls draw near. 

This made the Civil Service Commission clarify issues on appointments under prohibited acts issued by the Commission on Elections relative to the conduct of the May 9, 2016 national, local and Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections.

The CSC noted such harassment was prevalent nationwide.

CSC-Abra Director Perfecto B. Cardenas said the ban on appointments shall cover prohibitions on personnel movement such as transfer, appointment, detail and reassignment of government personnel during the election period.

Cardenas said transfer or movement of officers and employees in the civil service is in effect for the whole duration of the election period which started January 10 until June 8, 2016. 

Other prohibited acts during the period include suspension of elective local officials, use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates and organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces, or other similar forces, and the implementation of gun ban.

The ban on appointment such as hiring new employees, creating or filling up of new positions or promoting or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege shall cover the period from March 25 to May 8, 2016.

Cardenas said employees who have filed their certificate of candidacy and unfortunately loss in the May 2016 elections, shall not be allowed to be appointed within a period of one year after the elections.

These provisions of the Omnibus Election Code give security of tenure to permanent government employees and officials that the CSC adheres to be observed and implemented.