Baguio council backs promotion of retiring government workers

BAGUIO CITY -- City officials recently supported passage of Senate Bill 297 that provides automatic promotion of government officials and employees upon retirement from service and for other purposes.
    In a resolution authored by Councilor Fred Bagbagen, local legislators stated that employees of the local government, like any other government unit, are worthy to receive the said value should SB 297 become a law.
    Earlier, SB 297 authored by Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ G. Escudero seeks to grant a promotion of one salary grade level higher than the employee’s position at the time of his or her retirement.
    The proposed bill stated that all government officials and employees who are eligible for compulsory retirement shall be granted an automatic promotion equivalent to one salary grade level higher than his or her position at the time of retirement.
    For the said purpose, the adjusted salary grade level of the retirees shall be used as the basis for the computation of his or her retirement.
    The bill aims to give due recognition to the government workers by the expedient act of promoting them one salary grade higher at the time of their retirement.
    The council pointed out that dedicated and devoted government employees like their counterparts in the military and the police organizations deserve a comfortable life after serving their country for 20 years or more.
    Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action.

 
 
 

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Council to city gov’t offices: Submit list of unfinished projects

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council urged the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), City Engineering Office (CEO) and City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) to submit their respective reports on unimplemented projects within their jurisdiction for the last three years and to provide their recommendations to the local legislative body for appropriate enactment of measures.
    Under resolution 511, series of 2023, local legislators stated inclusion of unimplemented projects in the annual audit report of the local government signified their acknowledgement of challenges, delays or other factors that may have hindered the execution of certain projects.
    The council claimed said transparency will allow for a comprehensive assessment of the city’s performance, paving the way for informed decision-making and future planning.
    The body recognized that the CBAO, CEO and CEPMO are integral departments of the local government that are responsible for the planning and execution of various projects within the city.
    Monitoring and evaluation of implemented and unimplemented projects play a critical role in understanding the progress, challenges and opportunities within city development and management.
    One of the highlights of the annual audit report from the Commission on Audit (COA) in the Cordillera is the presentation of the implemented and unimplemented projects of the local government where it highlighted the city’s progress in executing its plans and initiatives.

The council said unimplemented projects underscored the body’s commitment to delivering essential services, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for the residents where the said successful endeavors not only demonstrated effective governance but also provided tangible benefits to the community.

The COA-CAR audit findings disclosed the city government government has substantial unimplemented projects that casts doubt in the capability of the local government to be able to implement the said projects because of certain challenges that have cropped up during the execution stage.

Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the concerned offices for their information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. -- Dexter A. See

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GSIS housing scheme with no down payment for gov’t workers ok’d

By Wilnard Bacelonia 

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) supports the government’s bid to provide affordable housing units through the three initiatives the state pension fund launched recently, GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said.
    In a news release on Thursday, GSIS identified these programs as the Lease with Option to Buy (LWOB), the Housing Accounts Restructuring and Condonation Program (HARCP), and the construction of low-cost housing units, including high-rise housing complexes in Fairview, Quezon City, and Cogeo, Antipolo. 
    It said LWOB allows government workers to buy some 15,000 residential properties owned by the GSIS nationwide without having to pay a down payment.
    On the other hand, HARCP has been extended until 2025 to allow more housing loan borrowers to pay their dues through waiver of penalties, and to extend partial discount on interest. 
    Relatively, the state-owned pension fund for government workers aims to complete over the medium term, the construction of new decent low-cost housing units, including high-rise housing complexes to be constructed in Fairview, Quezon City and in Cogeo, Antipolo which will be completed by 2025. 
     “GSIS has aligned its efforts to the President’s pabahay program,” Veloso said.
    “We are championing the right of every government employee to own a home. Our commitment is to create a significant impact and positive difference as we support the housing program and, at the same time, help the overall economy as construction of homes has a big multiplier effect. GSIS will do its part to support this program,” he added. -- PNA

 

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DILG, DBM warn local gov’t units vs groups asking for fees

Fraudulent project schemes   

BAGUIO CITY-- The Dept. of Interior and Local Government-Cordillera Administrative Region and Dept. of Budget and Management warned local government units to exercise caution when dealing with individuals or groups claiming to have the authority to expedite release of funds for infrastructure projects in exchange for a fee.
    "It has come to our attention that there have been reports of individuals falsely presenting themselves as agents or intermediaries, claiming to facilitate access to infrastructure funds allocated for various projects within local government units," said DILG Cordillera director Araceli San Jose.
    "We strongly condemn these deceptive practices and fraudulent schemes that exploit the trust and aspirations of our LGUs in pursuing development and progress for their communities. Such actions not only hinder genuine progress but also jeopardize the integrity of our public service," she said.
    "As guardians of public funds and advocates of transparent and accountable governance, we must remain vigilant and take all necessary measures to safeguard our LGU against any fraudulent activities. To this end, we urge all LGU leaders and executives to exercise due diligence in any dealings involving infrastructure funds and the facilitation of projects," she said.
San Jose cited need to maintain transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in government transactions.
    "I am calling on all LGUs to adhere to established procedures and protocols for funding allocation and disbursement.     Engaging in deals that promise preferential treatment or speedy processing in exchange for payment could lead to irregularities, corruption, and misuse of public funds," she said.

The DILG and DBM intend to prevent instances where public funds are mishandled or misappropriated.

"It is crucial for LGUs to follow proper channels, adhere to legal processes, and prioritize the best interests of the communities they serve," she said.

"If LGUs encounter situations involving individuals or groups making questionable claims about expediting fund releases, they are advised to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities or oversight bodies. This proactive approach ensures that potential cases of fraud or corruption are promptly addressed and prevented, upholding the integrity of government operations and the responsible use of public resources," RD San Jose said.

San Jose, along with DBM, made the call, in response to reports from LGUs of individuals claiming to be able to secure the release of the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU) and other forms of national government funding in exchange for monetary compensation. 

She said local roads, bridges, public markets, slaughterhouses, multi-purpose buildings/halls, multi-purpose pavements, drainage canals, sea wall/river wall, water system projects including level 1 stand-alone water systems, evacuation centers, public parks, fish ports, and post-harvest facilities are among the infrastructure and other projects covered by LGSF-FALGU.

According to the reports provided by the DILG Provincial Offices, certain individuals are engaging in unethical practices by falsely asserting their involvement in expediting the disbursement of funds under the LGSF-FALGU. These individuals have been found to be pressuring the municipal mayors of Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province to allocate them a percentage ranging from five to fifteen percent of the funds received by the LGUs.

She also said that these individuals also expressed their desire to be selected by the LGUs as contractors in implementing the projects under the LGSF-FALGU.

“The process of submitting requests for LFSF-FALGU by LGUs is exclusively done through the Digital Requests Submission for Local Government Support Fund (DRSL) available on the DBM Apps Portal. It is important to note that the LGSF-FALGU is disbursed directly to LGUs without any requirement for external follow-up, influence, or expediting of the fund release,” RD San Jose explained.

She reminded the recipient LGUs to comply with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Act and be diligent in screening contractors who will implement the projects. -- RIU/DILG-CAR 

 

 

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Ombudsman suspends Tabuk mayor, absolves five officials

By Aldwin Quitasol

TABUK CITY – The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the mayor here to serve 6-month suspension  for simple misconduct while five other government officials where absolved.
    The consolidated decision of the Ombudsman was only made available this July 2023.
Said decision resolved various affidavit-complaints for grave misconduct and grave abuse of authority filed by Ronnel Bumatay, Tabuk City Vice Mayor Bernard Glenn Dao-as and the National Bureau of Investigation-Cagayan Valley Regional Office.
    Respondents were Tabuk City Mayor Darwin Estrañero, City Health Officer Henrietta Linden S. Bagayao, City Administrator and Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) head Arnold G. Tenedero, City Legal Officer and BAC member Arthur G. Kub-ao, Bids Awards Committee member engineer Juanito Amangan, General Service Officer and BAC member Elmer M. Agliam, City Budget Officer and Bac member Edgar B. Sannadan, and City Accountant Mary Grace Pocais.
    The following cases were filed by Bumatay with the Office of the Ombudsman -- OMB-C-A 21-0076, an administrative case for grave misconduct, OMB-C-A 21-0080, 82-86 filed by Tabuk City Vice Mayor Dao-as, and OMB-C-A 22-0023 filed by NBI-CVRO.
    In Bumatay's case against the public officials, he alleged that the requirements for shopping as alternative mode of procurement of PPE's in the year 2020 was not strictly observed as one of the bidders is not a supplier of medical supplies and equipment. Bumatay also alleged that the PPE prices indicates in the purchase request (PR) were overpriced.     Meanwhile, in the OMB-C-A 21-0080 and 83, Dao-as noted the irregularities in the procurement of K-95 masks as necessary requirements or papers were absent. 
I    n case OMB-C-A 21-0082, Dao-as cited “irregularity of procurement of medical supplies by awarding the contract to a company not legally qualified to such.”
    The said contract was issued on May 2020.
    Case number 0084 was “irregularity” of procurement for non-submission of mandatory documentary requirements, violation of the price freeze circulars by the Dept. of Health and other issuances and prohibitions against profiteering and price manipulation and disregarding qualified suppliers; and  number 0085 is on the irregular purchase of PPE suits without the mandatory documentary requirements, violation of the price freeze circulars by the Dept. of Health and other issuances and prohibitions against profiteering and price manipulation and disregarding qualified suppliers.
    Case 0086 was a complaint on “irregular purchase” of thermal scanners without submitting mandatory documentary requirements and violation of the price freeze circulars by the DOH and other issuances and prohibitions against profiteering and price manipulation and disregarding qualified suppliers.
    The case of NBI-CVRO, numbered 22-0023, is based on its investigation on the complaints of irregularities. 
    In the decision, the Ombudsman found Estrañero guilty of simple misconduct and was meted six-month suspension.
The cases against the other five respondents were dismissed because for lack of substantial evidences

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Ilocos official in ‘hot water’

By Jasper Dawang

VINTAR, Ilocos Norte — The local government of Vintar on Monday has flagged the Municipal Agriculture Office of the municipality after it was discovered that at least P52,350 worth of agricultural products were missing.
    Vintar Mayor Richard Degala said that he conducted an inspection along with members of the Philippine National Police in the office which led to the discovery of the alleged theft.
    Initial reports disclosed that employees of the Municipal Agriculture Office identified as Ramon Agbayani, Engineer Remie Agbayani and Oliver Roy Agbayani, allegedly withdrew 15 sacks of Nutrifloat grower floating feeds with a total cost of P17,700.
    Reports also revealed that at least 21 sacks of Bonanza hog gestating pellets worth P34,650 were loaded at the Agriculture Stock Room utilizing a Government Vehicle bearing the plate number SAA 5156.
    Police said that the suspects delivered the agricultural products to ARG Agri-Farm Supply located at San Pedro in Vintar and alleged that the suspects were planning to sell the agricultural products to third-party individuals or customers of the farm supply shop.
    The delivered products were recovered and confiscated from the possession, control and custody of Thelma Aguinaldo, the sales clerk of AMRG Agri-Farm Supply.
    The products that were withdrawn were allegedly instructed by the Municipal Agriculturist, Dr. Myrna Simon, and delivered to ARG Agri-Farm Supply.
    Daily Tribune has tried reaching out to Simon but has not responded as of press time.
 

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Final tranche of salary hikes for gov’t workers takes effect January

By Zacarian Sarao

MANILA — The last tranche of the mandated salary hikes for government workers shall take effect in January, said the Dept. of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday.
    The fourth and final tranche is the last phase of the pay increase mandated by Republic Act (RA) 11466 or the “Salary Standardization Law of 2019,” series of 2020.
    “Government employees can look forward to receiving higher pay as the fourth and last tranche of mandated salary hikes takes effect on 01 January 2023,” said DBM in a statement.
    According to DBM, RA 11466 covers all positions for civilian personnel, whether regular, casual, or contractual in nature, appointive or elective, full-time or part-time, now existing or created in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; constitutional commissions and other constitutional offices; state universities and colleges (SUCs); and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) not covered by RA 10149.
    It also applies to all positions for salaried LGU personnel, whether regular, contractual or casual in nature, elective or appointive; on full-time or part-time basis, now existing or created in local government units (LGUs), and all positions for barangay personnel which are paid monthly honoraria.
    Meanwhile, those engaged without employer-employee relationship and funded from non-Personnel Services (PS) appropriations/budgets are excluded from the coverage of the Circular.
    Military and uniformed personnel, GOCCs under RA 10149, and individuals whose services are engaged through job orders, contracts of service, consultancy or service contracts with no employer-employee relationship are also excluded from RA 11466.
    The DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has already signed two separate Budget Circulars regarding the fourth tranche of Salary Schedule for civilian personnel and LGU workers.
    Meanwhile, under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), around P48 million was allocated under the Governance Commission for GOCCs’ (GCG) budget to support the conduct of a study on the government compensation structure of the different national government agencies and GOCCs.
    “Apart from the conduct of the study, the DBM is also undertaking a review of the rates of the existing benefits being provided to qualified government employees to assess if these may need adjustment in the future,” Pangandaman said.

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Ifugao exec 6th in DILG ‘apprenticeship’

 By Pamela MT Geminiano

LAGAWE, Ifugao – Dept. of Interior and Local Government operations officer  Humphrey Anapen of the Ifugao Provincial Office placed 6th in the recently concluded LGOO 54th catch of apprenticeship program of the Department through its training arm, the Local Government Academy.
    “To be honest, I had no expectations in getting any recognition. However, being recognized as one of the department's top-performing apprentices in this year's apprenticeship program amplified the experience,” Anapen said.
    “The training program was difficult. It was designed to test not only our technical abilities, but also our physical and emotional stamina. I'm just glad that I finished and graduated from this apprentice program, and the award is just icing on the cake”.
    Anapen said he was also part of the 53rd batch but was not able to proceed to the final phase.
    Anapen, who started his DILG journey as an administrative assistant in 2015, saw how LGOOs play a crucial role in the delivery of public service in the workplace, that is why he tried applying and fortunately was able to land a job as an LGOO. 

The apprenticeship program is a competency-based training program designed to equip LGOOs with the necessary core, functional and leadership competencies that will prepare them to assume roles and responsibilities of higher LGOO positions.

 For LGOOs to qualify for the program, they should have performed the functions of their position as LGOO II or III for at least 6 months prior to the cut-off date specified by the Local Government Academy (LGA).

 The apprentice must pass requirements of each program component on general orientation, foundation course, supervised field work, assessment, and revalidation to be eligible for certificate of completion.

Those who also completed the 54th apprenticeship program were DILG LGOOs  Danilo Azarcon, Ivy Rose Khayad, Mountain Province, Antonio Carlos Nolasco, Abra and Kevin Royce Bugtong of Apayao -- PMTG/DILG-CAR

 

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Baguio City gov’t workers’ 4th salary increase stalled

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- Having exceeded its Personal Service (PS) limitation for fiscal year 2023, the City Government of Baguio is “constrained” to implement the 4th tranche of the salary standardization for its employees.
    This was the response of lawyer Naoime Humilde of the Dept. of Budget and Management- Cordillera Administrative Region to the City Council during a forum Dec. 5 to their question about possibility of granting the 4th tranche salary increase of employees.
    Pursuant to Section 325(a) of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA No. 7160), first to third class local government units such as Baguio City shall not allocate an amount exceeding 45% of its total annual income from regular sources of the previous year for personal services (PS) in the next preceding year.
    In the foregoing case of the City Government, the basis for computing its 45% PS limitation to be applied next year is fiscal year 2021.
    Personal services (PS) refers to all budgetary items intended for the payment of salaries, wages, step increments, and other compensation of permanent, temporary, contractual, and casual employees of  a local government unit (LBC No. 98).
    The Salary Standardization Law of 2019 (RA 11466) also provides that the implementation of the salary adjustment is subject to the said PS limitation.
    Humilde, however, said there are possible options the city government can explore to be able to provide the fourth tranche salary increase despite the PS excess.
    Local Budget Circular 145 issued in March, 2022 states that, in case the PS cap has exceeded, the local government may be granted additional PS expenditures if it collapses vacant plantilla positions.  
“    Pwede po nating ibalik itong collapsed positions once kailangan na at kung wala nang PS excess,” Humilde said.
    Another option based on LBC 145 is to reduce PS items of lesser priority. The current salary scheme is excluded from the option of items that may be reduced as any reduction in the current salary scheme is against the general policy on non-diminution of salary.
    According to City Budget Officer Leticia Clemente, the PS excess is P21,258,528.67 and the amount needed for the fourth tranche of the salary standardization is P28 million.
    Clemente said the city government had not exceeded its PS limitation for years until recently.
    Humilde said any excess in the PS allocation should be disapproved, but she assured that DBM would look into the factors that had led to the excess in the PS allocation. “As a rule, kahit nag-exceed tayo sa PS cap, we cannot reduce the salary rates that [the employees] are receiving now,” Humilde said.
    She added as effect of the PS excess, there should be no more additional PS cost to be incurred. 
Leaning towards the first option presented by Humilde, the city council tasked the local finance committee to study which vacant positions to be collapsed to and come up with the corresponding computation to be able to determine whether city government could satisfy the funding requirement of the fourth tranche salary increase through this option. All documents related to this would be submitted to the city council.
    Clemente said this would have to be discussed with Mayor Benjamin Magalong and department heads.
    Meanwhile, Councilor Bomogao said a possible long-term solution to avoid any PS excess in the future is to “increase more economic activities” in the city.
 

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SSS to Baguio, Benguet employers: Settle dues

Christian Andrew Rillorta

Baguio City – Eight employers from Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet received written orders from Social Security System reminding them to settle their incurred delinquencies and comply to their legal obligations under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.  
    The notices were handed to the employers by officials from SSS Luzon Operations Group and SSS Cluster Legal Unit during the simultaneous conduct of RACE operations or the Run After Contribution Evaders campaign in Baguio City and La Trinidad last October 19, 2022.  
    “As stated in the notice, subjected employers are instructed to settle their legal obligations and or delinquencies with SSS within 15 days upon receipt of the letter. We are also offering to these delinquent employers an option to avail the Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Program or Enhanced Installment Payment Program (PRRP 3) and Contribution Penalty Condonation, Delinquency Management and Restructuring Program”, said SSS President and CEO Michael G. Regino 
    Of the 8 employers, two did not register their businesses to SSS; one was not able to produce any SSS records or documents for inspection; and 5 have delinquencies amounting to more than P989,000. 
    Under Republic Act 11199, employers are mandated to register their businesses to SSS and remit their employees’ contributions monthly. They are also mandated to update their employment records such as payrolls and contribution and loan collection lists and present these documents to SSS for inspection.  
    “Employers who violate the provisions of the SSS Law will face criminal charges. Nonfulfillment of their legal obligations means they are depriving their employees’ social security benefits and loan privileges.” Regino added. 
    Social security benefits include Maternity, Sickness, Unemployment, Disability, Retirement, Death, and Funeral while loan privileges are Salary Loan, Calamity Loan and Emergency Loan. 
    With the Contribution Penalty Condonation, Delinquency Management and Restructuring Program, all single proprietorships, corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, and associations who are delinquent in the payment of SS contributions and/or penalties whose financial positions demonstrate a clear inability to pay the assessed delinquency arising from economic crisis, serious business losses or financial reverses, or resulting from natural calamity, or man-made disaster without fault on their part may apply under this program.  
    “Employers will have an option to pay their delinquencies sans the incurred penalties through one-time payment or monthly installment, depending on the amount of obligation”, Regino concluded. 
    Meanwhile, of the 14 employers subjected to RACE operations conducted by SSS Baguio Branch last April, six already submitted their records for reconciliation; six regained their good standing with SSS thru settlement of their delinquencies in full amount of P1,745,046.9; and two were endorsed to Cluster Legal Unit for filing of case.      The RACE campaign aims to intensify employer’s awareness of their legal obligations and promote the ongoing penalty condonation programs for business and household employers. It started in 2017 and has been implemented in various areas nationwide.  

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DILG: Local absentee voting system set for gov’t workers, media

By Pamela Mariz T. Geminiano

BAGUIO CITY— The Dept. of Interior and Local Government Cordillera urged  all government officials, employees and  media who would not be able to vote in the actual May 9, 2022 polls to file their applications for local absentee voting (LAV).
    DILG Cordillera regional director Araceli San Jose said DILG Sec. Eduardo Año, in a directive, urged all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and the Department's attached agencies to support and ensure the effective implementation of the Commission on Elections' LAV system, and other initiatives.
    “We encourage all of our officials and employees assigned outside their jurisdictions to exercise their right to vote via LAV on any day from April 27 to 29, 2022, beginning at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.," she said.
    She said LAV may be used by government officials and employees, including Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel and the Philippine National Police, media practitioners who are duly registered voters.
    Government employees, may submit their application forms to their heads of offices/supervisors/commanders/officers next-in-rank.
    RD San Jose also said that under LAV, voters are allowed to vote for national positions; such as president, vice president, senators and party-list Representatives, in places where they are not registered voters but where they are temporarily assigned to perform election duties on election day, or in case of media, those who will not be able to vote due to the performance of their functions in covering and reporting on the elections.
    Adding, “Government officials and employees who will be posted abroad to perform election duties on election day may also avail of the said system.”
    The LAV will use manual voting, counting, and canvassing system. 
    LAV is a voting system in which any person who, due to public functions and duties, is not in his/her place of registration on election day may vote in the city/municipality where he/she is assigned on election day if he/she is a duly registered voter.
    Meanwhile, according to Comelec resolution 10725, individuals who like to be part of the LAV must file their duly accomplished forms (LAV Form 1 and LAV Form 2) not later than March 7, 2022.

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‘Grave abuse of authority’ Natonin mayor defies SP suspension order

By Alfred Dizon

NATONIN, Mountain Province – The provincial board served notice to Mayor Jose Agagon here Tuesday suspending him from performing his duties for grave abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming of a public official and grave misconduct.
    But the mayor reportedly denied the allegations and defied the order.
    A reliable source from the municipal government, who requested anonymity, said Agogon was still performing his duties as mayor at presstime.
    “I am still the mayor,” Agagon was quoted as saying, referring to the suspension order. “The SP’s order is not final and executory.”
    He said he was contesting his order of suspension in the proper forum.
    This, after Agogon allegedly illegally dismissed from service on Oct. 1, 2021 year Gina Lamfayong, municipal accountant; Nenette Marungoy, Human Resource and Management Office chief and Hazel Gawayen of the Office of the Mayor.
    This reportedly prompted the three to file a complaint with the provincial board who decided to suspend Agagon.
    The three employees also filed a case with the Regional Trial Court based in the capital town of Bontoc for a restraining order against the dismissal order of the mayor against them.
    Judge Sergio Angnganay Jr. granted a temporary restraining order in favor of the three employees who are still now holding office.
    The source said the case started when Lamfayong, Marungoy and Gawayen issued a certification last February 2021 attesting that Agagon was not attending office at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    This reportedly prompted Vice Mayor Christopher Bayowan to assume duties of the mayor.
    Agagon disputed allegations he was not attending office saying he was in Natonin at that time.
    The provincial board is headed by Vice Gov. Francis O. Tauli with members Donato L. Danglose (District 2), Janice Barillo (District 1, Joshua B. Fronda (District 1) Henry D. Bastian (District 2), Federico Onsat (District 1), Salvador K. Dalang (District 2) and Randy T. Awisan (District 2).  Board member Alexandre Claver of District 1 died recently.
    Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan heads the provincial government.
    Lawyer Maximo Dalog Jr. is congressman of Lone District of Mountain Province.

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Non-jabbed Baguio workers required to have Covid tests

  By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Vaccine-eligible but still unimmunized government and private employees working on-site including public utility vehicle drivers in the city are now required to undergo Covid-19 testing at least once every two weeks at their own expense.
    The requirement for workers was directed in executive order No. 159-2021 issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Nov. 29 in compliance with the national Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) directive.
    The testing requirement for public utility jeepney and taxi drivers is contained in executive order No. 160-2021 prescribing the Alert Level 2 guidelines in the city.
    Tests may either be RT-PCR or antigen and will be required until the time the employee receives his or her first vaccine dose.
    However, the employee will also be required to undergo mandatory regular testing if he/she fails to avail of the second dose after prescribed period of interval of the vaccine brand.
     Workers who are ineligible to receive the vaccines for health reasons must secure medical certificate from the City Health Services Office to be exempted from the bimonthly test requirement but will be required to undergo the test on a quarterly basis also with the assistance of the CHSO.
     The City Health Services Office in collaboration with the Permits and Licensing Division, the Safety Seal Inspection Team and the Public Employment and Service Office are tasked to implement the provisions of the order.
    Establishments and institutions that will fail to comply will be immediately reported to the Dept. of Labor and Employment, Dept. of Interior and Local Government, Civil Service Commission or other applicable departments directly supervising the offices concerned.
 
 
 

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CSC: LCEs can now impose disciplinary action on workers

EDITORIAL

Local chief executives and heads of government offices are now given the authority to impose disciplinary action over their employees based on recent Civil Service Commission (CSC) ruling.

    This is based on 2017 rules on administrative cases in the civil service (RACCS).
    Section 9, rule 2 of the 2017 RACCS provides, “disciplining authorities of agencies and local government units shall have original concurrent jurisdiction with the Commission over their respective officials and employees.”
    Disciplining authority refers to the person of body duly authorized by law to impose the penalty provided for by law or rule.
    The role of LCEs on the new RACCS provision such that administrative complaints can be filed with the Office of the Mayor following certain procedures.
    Complaints may not necessarily be filed with the CSC. They can be filed with the Mayor’s Office with an adhoc committee to conduct investigation or the legal officer may be tasked to conduct the investigation.
    They are given the authority to issue administrative charges with corresponding sanctions, either   dismissal or suspension, depending on the circumstances.
    For national government agency heads in the provinces, disciplinary action over their employees are lodged mostly with their central office unless delegated to their regional offices. 
    Their function is limited to fact-finding investigation and their recommendations are submitted to the regional office even as government employees with administrative cases undergo agony such as emotional stress and financial cost in engaging services of a lawyer. 
    The gravity of complaints filed before the Commission is evaluated.
    If administrative complaint filed is classified as light offense, amicable settlement is recommended. In the new ruling, amicable settlement is now allowed. 
 
 

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CSC fetes 2021 ‘top civil servants’ in Cordillera

BAGUIO CITY -- The Civil Service Commission Cordillera recognized during its 2021 regional honors and awards program winners and nominators here Sept. 27 in line with the 121st anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service.
    The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award – individual category regional winners were Science and Technology regional director Dr. Nancy Bantog, former Baguio City police director Allen Rae Co and Public Schools district supervisor and Baguio City OIC assistant schools division superintendent Christopher Benigno.
    For group category, regional awardees were Molecular Biology Laboratory of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center(BGHMC)composed of Karen Tubaang (team leader), Rommel Verganio, Ivan Ray Molina, Jonathan Kirk Fangot and Elpido Cadul; SGOD – Project REACH of DepEd Tabuk City – Kalinga composed of Ana Marie Bucahan (team leader), Menchie Gamongan, Joan Reyes and Joselyn Dakiwag; the Social Mobilization and Networking of DepEd Abra composed of Jan Nowel Peña (team leader, Lemuel Dickson, Ronilo Garcia, Florencio Rifareal and Rhoda Arsenio,  and the Tineg Abra LGU under the leadership of Mayor Corinthia Crisologo.
    The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is conferred to an individual or group of individuals for exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony.
Four individuals were recipients of the Dangal ng Bayan Award  namely BGHMC Medical Specialist IV Dr. Thea Pamela Cajulao, Baguio City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo, Philhealth Medical Specialist 1 Dr. Fe Esperanza Pilando, and DepEd – Baguio Sr. Program Specialist Reynaldo Padsoyan.
    The Dangalng Bayan award is awarded to an individual for performance of an extraordinary act of public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of his/her observance of the eight norms of behavior provided under Republic Act No. 5713 or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”.
    Also given recognition as semi- finalists were the BGHMC Outpatient Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation under Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award  and La Trinidad Benguet Medical Technologist 1 Lucia Jacinta Benterunder theDangalng Bayan Award.
    For the PAGASA award individual category, regional awardees were Kalinga provincial government department head Domingo Bakilan, DepEd Tabuk City Kalinga Principal 1 Amado Danao, Development Bank of the Philippines – Baguio Branch Chief Accounts Management Officer Karmela Grace Luzadas, DepEd Abra Education Program Supervisor Ronald Marquez, and DepEd Abra Master Teacher 1 Rhea Linggayo.
    For group category, regional winners were BGHMC Women and Children Protection Unit composed of Elizabeth Batino (team leader), Genevieve Recolizado, Haydee Yaco, Edith Madongit and Janice Castelo and the DepEd Schools Division of Baguio composed of Marie Carolyn Verano (Schools Division Superintendent) Lourdes Lomas-e, Niño Tibangay, Juliet Sannad and Nieves Ebanio.
    The PAGASA award is given to an individual or group for outstanding contributions that directly benefit more than one department of government.
    CSC  chairperson Alicia dela Rosa – Bala,  in expressing CSC’s congratulations to the 2021 Cordillera regional Lingkod Bayani awardees said,  “Thank you because despite difficult circumstances,  you have shown outstanding performance and you also chose to be consistent in exemplifying the eight public norms of conducts in public service. To emerge as the exemplars in your region in the midst of crisis is already a great achievement.”
    “You have continued to serve your clients well and found ways to create opportunities out of difficulties, for that we are all grateful. -- JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
 

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DILG to gov’t execs: Use PhilSys ID or face 500-K fine, ban from public office

BAGUIO CITY— The Dept. of the Interior and Local Government urged local government units  and the general public to use and accept Philippine identification (PhilID) or the national ID as a valid proof of identity for transactions with in  government and  private sector for easier identity validation and authentication. 

“The PhilID will increase efficiency, particularly when dealing with government services, as people will only need to present one ID during transactions,” said OIC-regional director Araceli San Jose of DILG-Cordillera.
    She said that the PhilID is for permanent use and has no expiration date while the PhilID issued to resident aliens or foreign nationals residing in the country will be valid for only a year.

Initial issuance of the PhilID is free of charge, but minimum fee for replacement of the ID due to damage or loss will be imposed. she said.

San Jose said that holders of a certificate of indigency are exempt from the replacement fee if they present this certificate.

Meanwhile, in a statement, DILG spokesperson and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya warned LGUs and private entities that failure to accept, acknowledge, or recognize the PhilID without just and sufficient cause would result to P500,000 fine.

Government officials and employees who refuse to accept the PhilID card as proof of identification will result in a lifetime ban from holding any public office or working in the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and their subsidiaries. 

 

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Vizcaya town LGU, DepEd execs nabbed for gambling

By Leander Domingo

BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya -- A joint operation by the Cagayan provincial and Solana municipal police has led to the arrest of local government unit employees and teachers for illegal gambling in Solana.
    Col. Ariel Quilang, Cagayan Provincial Police Office chief, said some of those caught gambling in Solana hold high positions in the LGU and teachers under the supervision of the Dept. of Education.
    Quilang said among the nine suspects were a municipal administrator, a barangay councilman, some teachers and senior citizens.
    He said police operatives raided the gambling den in Barangay Andarayan South in Solana after the Cagayan provincial intelligence unit gave them the go-signal.
    “The joint police operative responded to a report coming from the Cagayan provincial intelligence unit and found nine suspects in the house in one of the suspects who is a teacher by profession,” Quilang said.
    He said the raid was based on the complaints of some residents in the area that gambling was regularly taking place which could endanger the health and safety of the community from Covid-19.

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La Trinidad now high- risk epidemic level; 19 LGU workers positive

By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis

LATRINIDAD, Benguet  --  This capital town is now classified high risk epidemic level with 1614 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 176 active cases, 1406 recoveries and 32 deaths as of Feb. 27.
    Mayor Romeo Salda confirmed Covid-19 infections detected involving employees of the local government and it reached a critical level.
    Salda bared 19 employees tested positive for the Covid-19 since two weeks ago prompting the local government to lock down the municipal hall.
    Most cases reportedly involved employees processing business permits.
    The LGU suspended processing of business permits at the La Trinidad municipal gymnasium or the Business One Stop Shop but resumed with skeletal force.
     “We appeal to the residents of La Trinidad to strictly practice minimum health standards against the Covid-19 particularly those having transactions at the municipal government as cases in the LGU have increased,” Salda said in an interview.
    The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and the General Services Office of the LGU conducted disinfection and sanitation activities at  municipal compound offices, facilities and gymnasium during lockdown.
    The mayor said the LGU will swab all municipal employees who have not yet been swabbed particularly direct contacts of identified cases.
    He said to ensure operation of the local government would not be affected, employees who were swabbed and have tested negative were placed on skeletal mode. – PIA Benguet

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RDC holds gab to boost execs’ policy-making

BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Regional Development Council ended 2020 with a capacity building activity on parliamentary rules and procedures.
    Senate director and chief counselor on Senate parliamentary law lawyer Amado Maralit, discussed applications of parliamentary procedure and protocol during the activity on Dec. 23.
    “It is not necessary for you to be lawyer to be a proper parliamentarian”, said Maralit.
    Knowing and following an organization’s rules is crucial to conduct orderly meetings and capture meeting agreements properly, Maralit said.
    He said parliamentary procedure was a democratic device to help Filipinos make decisions and avoid unruly meetings.
    Practically, it is a way to maximize meetings with an emphasis on respect and procedure, he said.
    While Maralit said the organization must have its own rules, he noted that it helps to know established fundamentals of parliamentary procedure.
    He recommended Robert’s Rules of Order, a time-tested guide to parliamentary procedure used by United States organizations and their allies.
    A good and productive meeting according to Maralit is one in which the Chairperson is knowledgeable of the rules.
    He said decisions in the presence of a quorum and are not illegal, improper, or unconstitutional.
    “Rules can give way to practicality in the service of the organization’s agenda, which in this case, is for regional and national development,” he said.
    RDC vice chairperson and National Economic Development Authority Cordillera director Milagros Rimando said the activity was aimed to “drive further our agenda of Cordillera regional development.”
    The Regional Development Council and its sectoral and support committees are composed of representatives from the private sector, regional line agencies, local government units and House of Representatives with NEDA-CAR serving as technical and administrative secretariat.
    The RDC is the highest policy-making body in the Cordillera.
    Decisions are made in the form of resolutions endorsed by its various committees and quarterly meetings.
    The meetings are held with its own set of house rules. The training/orientation on parliamentary rules and procedure increases the capability of the RDC members in making fair and efficient decisions towards furthering the region’s agenda for development.

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Electrician, treasury prober cited Baguio outstanding workers

By Mardy P. Samidan

BAGUIO CITY -- The city government honored two 2019 Outstanding Employees of the Semester sans the formal awarding due to the suspension of flag raising ceremonies in City Hall as precautionary measure to the corona virus menace.

For the First Level category, Jeronimo D. Coloma, Electrician II of the City Engineering Office was chosen as Outstanding Employee of the Semester covering the period July to December 2019 besting 15 nominees from each of the City Hall departments.

Coloma was recognized for his “value of willingness to serve the public merged with the commitment to make a difference in the public service delivery.”

His colleagues in the CEO nominated Coloma for performing his regular functions beyond expectations. “He has been considered the epitome of the values on willingness and commitment,” the citation reads.

Particular, Coloma has always been sought in cases on electrical emergencies by the night market administrator even in the middle of the night. The gratis sacrifices provided the night market operators and goers secure and relax in the performance and furtherance of their commercial activities along Harrison Road.

Coloma also accomplished several request from the barangays and departments of the city in fixing their electrical needs even taking over the responsibilities of his division in the absence of the Division Head. He also helped in accomplishing the installation of the Christmas lanterns which provided sparks during the 2019 implementation of the Enchanting Baguio Christmas Program – a tasked given to the City Buildings and Architectures Office but was performed by the CEO.

For the Second Level category, Clayton B. Ligligen, Local Treasury Operations Officer 1, of the City Treasury Office was recognized as Outstanding Employee of the Semester for taking charge of vital investigative and campaign works in the Campaign and Investigation Division of his department.

“He sees to it that workloads of his section were properly delegated and assigned accordingly, even leads his subordinates to conduct such,” the citation reads.

During the second semester of 2019, significant increase in the collection of business permit fees was noted by the department. Contributory to this result was Ligligen’s handling of investigation of new applicants for business permits driving the correct taxes to be paid in accordance with products being offered for sale.

One of the programs of the City Government of Baguio under its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) is the selection of Outstanding Employees of the Semester from the different offices of the city. Basis for the nomination is the employees’ performance, accomplishments and extent of impact for the semester only on which the person is being nominated.

Additional criteria include adherence to the city’s Anti-Smoking Ordinance and have not been warned of complaint either filed with the disciplining authority or the Civil Service Commission. 

All the nominees are entitled to receive cash award of P1,500 while the chose Outstanding Employees of the Semester are entitled to Php3,500 cash incentive.

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