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What's inside:
CSC opens 2022 search for public service exemplars | CSC issues holiday reminders | CSC bares Christmas/year-end messages to civil servants | Joint COMELEC-CSC Advisory on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activities | CSC reminds gov’t employees on stricter sexual harassment policy | HAP Story: Rhia Sotomil - Giving hope to VAWC victims | Check out CSI's course offering for January to March 2022
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The Official Newsletter of the Civil Service Commission
December 2021
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23 December 2021
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is looking for exemplars in public service.
The CSC has opened the 2022 Search for Outstanding Government Workers, which aims to recognize deserving public servants who excel in their respective fields or who serve as models of exemplary behavior.
As part of the government’s rewards and incentives mechanism under the Honor Awards Program (HAP), the annual Search aims to motivate and inspire state employees to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service.
All government workers in the career and non-career service including appointive barangay officials may be nominated. Employees who are under job order or contract of service are excluded from the coverage of the program. Posthumous nomination is also accepted for public servants who died in the line of duty or in the pursuit of their official duties and responsibilities. The nomination must be made within 12 months from the time of death.
There are three award categories: the Presidential Lingkod Bayan (PLB) Award and the CSC Pagasa Award for outstanding work performance, and the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees or the Dangal ng Bayan (DNB) Award for exemplary behavior.
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9 December 2021
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) reminded government employees to keep yearend and holiday festivities safe and simple as the nation continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala said that, while the country is still at low-risk classification, the threats brought by the pandemic continue to exist especially with the emergence of the B.1.1.529 variant or Omicron variant.
She said that physical gatherings may be allowed, subject to current and applicable guidelines issued by the IATF and the local government, adding, “Virtual celebrations, on the other hand, are much safer and allows agencies to hold a simultaneous gathering for all their employees across the regions. It just requires a little more creativity to make it engaging and enjoyable even without face-to-face interaction.”
The CSC chief added that physical gatherings still pose a huge risk and may even affect public service delivery if employees get infected by COVID-19 at the same time.
The CSC also reminded agencies to make sure that there will be no disruption in public services. Offices may opt to conduct these activities outside office hours or ensure adequate skeletal workforce to attend to their clients and other urgent matters during official business hours.
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6 December 2021
In a year-end message to civil servants, Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala highlighted the sacrifices of civil servants amid the pandemic and thanked them for their service.
She said that civil servants continued to face challenges this year. “Nananatili ang epekto ng pandemya habang patuloy na umaasa ang taumbayan sa ating serbisyo. Marami din ang sakripisyo ng serbisyo sibil—hindi natin makakalimutan ang lahat ng ating kasamahan, ang mga nag-alay ng buhay para sa bayan. Lahat tayo ay nakaranas ng pagkawala ng kasamahan sa trabaho, kapamilya, at kaibigan.”
She added that these challenges in the midst of adversity can be a source of strength as they carry on. “Lalo lamang tayong mapapalakas ng ganitong mga karanasan, kaya patuloy tayong maghahanda para sa mga hinaharap pang mga sitwasyon.”
Chairperson Bala also expressed gratitude for the blessings received amid the public health crisis. “Tayo rin ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng biyayang ating natanggap sa kabila ng krisis. Isa na rito ang ating kalusugan… Kaya manatiling malusog at masigla bilang malasakit sa sarili at sa kapwa, hanggang magwakas itong pandemya.”
Lastly, the CSC chief thanked civil servants for their continued commitment to public service. “Taos-pusong pasasalamat sa bawat kawani ng pamahalaan sa inyong paglilingkod sa bayan. Sama-sama tayong umasa sa matagumpay na bagong taon, at patuloy na pag-unlad ng serbisyo publiko.”
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With the upcoming May 2022 elections, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reminds government officials and employees to follow its joint circular with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on electioneering and partisan political activity. This 2016 joint circular aims to ensure that civil servants and the armed forces shall remain focused on the efficient discharge of their duties and functions, do away with the “spoils system”, and shield the civil service and armed forces from the vagaries of politics. Learn about the provisions of the joint circular below:
What are electioneering and partisan political activity?
These refer to acts designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate/s or party/ies to public office.
Who are covered?
All members of the civil service, whether permanent, temporary, contractual, or casual, who are employed in all branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies of the Philippine government, are prohibited from engaging in any electioneering or partisan political activities.
In addition, career officers holding political offices in an acting or officer-in-charge capacity, as well as uniformed and active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are also included. Even those on leave of absences are still covered by the prohibition.
However, officials or employees holding political offices such as the President, Vice President, cabinet members, elective local officials except barangay officials, the staff of the abovementioned officials, and members of the reserve corps of the AFP are excluded.
What are the prohibited acts?
Under COMELEC Resolution No. 10049, s. 2016, the following acts are considered as election campaign or partisan political activities:
- Forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees, or other groups of persons for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate
- Holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades or other similar assemblies, for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign or propaganda for or against a candidate
- Making speeches, announcements or commentaries, or holding interviews for or against the election of any candidate for public office
- Publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate
- Directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for or against a candidate
Further, CSC Memorandum Circular No. 30, series of 2009; and CSC MC No. 9, series of 1992, identify the following as prohibited acts:
- Being a delegate to any political convention, or a member of any political committee or directorate, or an officer of any political club or other similar political organizations
- Receiving any contributions for political purposes, either directly or indirectly
- Becoming publicly identified with the success or failure of any candidate/s or party/ies
- Wearing of t-shirts, pins, caps, or any other similar election paraphernalia bearing the names of candidates and/or political parties
- Being a watcher for a political party or candidate during the election
- Consistent presence in political rallies, caucuses of, and continuous companionship with certain political candidates and/or political party, making one closely identified with such candidates or party
- Giving, soliciting, or receiving financial or monetary contributions, supplies, equipment, and materials for the benefit of a candidate and/or political party
- Utilizing government resources such as personnel, including job order or contract of service hirees, time, and properties for political purposes
What can government workers do?
Excluded acts that civil servants can do are the following:
- Casting one’s vote
- Expressing one’s views on current political problems or issues
- Mentioning the names of candidates or parties whom one supports
- Public expressions, opinions, or discussion of probable issues in a forthcoming election, or on attributes of or criticisms against probable candidates to be nominated in a forthcoming political party convention.
During the LunChat with CSC episode last 16 December 2021, CSC Assistant Commissioner Ariel G. Ronquillo pointed out that in terms of social media use, government workers may post, like, comment, or follow a candidate’s or party’s account. They may also share a picture of a candidate/party, a statement, or anything related to a certain candidate/party as long as they do not explicitly solicit support for or against a candidate/party during the campaign period.
What are the penalties?
Government employees found guilty of engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities will be meted with the penalty of one month and one day suspension to six months for the first offense; and dismissal from the service for the second offense.
For the detailed information on electioneering and partisan political activities, read COMELEC-CSC Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2016 and watch the 16 December episode of LunChat with CSC.
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25 November 2021
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) urged government employees to be vigilant about their behavior as it reminded them on the stricter rules governing sexual harassment.
The CSC said that sexual harassment covers not only physical or verbal acts but also those done using technology. This may include unwanted sexual misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic, and sexist remarks and comments, committed whether publicly or through direct and private messages; invasion of victim’s privacy through cyberstalking and incessant messaging; uploading and sharing without the victim’s consent any form of media that contains photos, voice, or video with sexual content; and any unauthorized recording and sharing of any of the victim’s photos, videos, or any information online.
The CSC also expanded the coverage of sexual harassment to include those performed in streets and public spaces such as in alleys, roads, restaurants, malls, public washrooms, bars, and public utility vehicles. This includes catcalling; wolf-whistling; unwanted invitations; misogynistic, transphobic, and sexists slurs; persistent uninvited comments or gestures on a person’s appearances; and relentless request for personal details that are unwanted and threatens one’s sense of personal space and physical safety.
In its Resolution No. 2100064 dated 20 January 2021, circularized via Memorandum Circular No. 11, s. 2021, the CSC amended certain provisions in the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RACCS), specifically those pertaining to the administrative proceedings for sexual harassment complaints where the offender is a government employee.
The changes in the 2017 RACCS were made to further deter sexual harassment in the public sector, as well as to harmonize said rules with Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
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| Rhia Sotomil: Giving Hope to VAWC Victims |
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Meet PCPT. Rhia B. Sotomil (Ret) and be inspired by her story of courage and dedication to promote women's welfare.
She is one of the 2014 Dangal ng Awardees who was awarded for putting the interest of the public above her own. Despite being diagnosed with lupus, she continued to excel in her performance as a police officer, focusing on issues such as violence against women and children, and health advocacy. Transforming her weakness into strength, she championed women and children’s rights, as well as health and wellness, thus, empowering her community.
Watch her HAP Story and discover more about her accomplishments and advocacies.
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The Civil Service Institute invites you to join any course offering for January to March 2022 that would help you meet your learning and development needs.
Kwentong Lingkod Bayani
7 January (Register here: t.ly/oPUx)
4 February (Register here: t.ly/7xzK)
4 March (Register here: t.ly/lZly)
Kwentong Lingkod Bayani episode aims to appreciate the importance of accepting, applying and advocating the Public Service Values (patriotism, integrity, excellence, and spirituality); and, adopt best practices shared by different agencies.
Formulating Values Policy Guidelines (Register here: t.ly/qwgc)
2-23 February
This workshop emphasizes the relevance and significance of formulating/crafting the Policy Guidelines that will strengthen the Agency’s Core Values. The workshop shall use synchronous and asynchronous sessions to develop participants’ appreciation, acceptance and application of relevant principles, concepts and strategies to help them implement the guidelines efficiently and effectively.
Public Service Values Program for Non-Supervisors (Register here: t.ly/MGsV)
2-24 February
This workshop aims to enable participants to strengthen and harness the core values of a public servant: Patriotism, Integrity, Excellence and Spirituality (PIES), also known as the public service values. Relevant and significant concepts, principles and practices of these values will be discussed for better understanding, appreciation and application.
Manager's Role in Capacity Building (Register here: t.ly/qNeK)
8-22 February
The course highlights the role of managers in developing competent, engaged, and high performing workforce. It will guide managers in drafting an office development plan for their units and planning its effective implementation.
Well-Being Centric Leadership (Register here: t.ly/fg9k)
1-30 March
This course will enable participants to propagate and sustain positive cultures and working environment that will strengthen employee wellness, engagement, empowerment, and productivity.
Developmental Conversations for Leaders: Coaching the Coaches through Developmental Conversations (Register here: t.ly/kSw7)
7-31 March
Developmental conversations, in terms of coaching and mentoring, are workplace learning approaches that enable individuals to realize their full potentials. This blended course will guide participants to effectively conduct developmental conversations with others using a structured approach. This particular course uses group mentoring/coaching to develop mentors/coaches by handholding them through the various stages of the process.
Public Service Values Program (Register here: t.ly/QcqL)
8-24 March
Visit csi.csc.gov.ph to know each course description, objectives, target participants, and investment cost.
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The 3rd Quarter 2021 issue of the Civil Service Reporter is out now!
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In the HR Spotlight section of the Civil Service Reporter magazine (3rd Quarter 2021), we featured some of the PRIME-HRM Bronze Awardees, their experiences in undergoing assessments, and advice for aspiring government agencies. The awardees agreed that despite the process being tough, tedious, and time-consuming, it is not impossible to satisfy the requirements to improve HR processes and systems.
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| ABOUT US |
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| The Philippine Civil Service Commission is the central human resource institution of the Philippine government. It aims to be globally recognized as a center of excellence for strategic Human Resource and Organizational Development by 2030. Its mission is to make every civil servant a "servant hero" (Gawing Lingkod Bayani ang Bawat Kawani). www.csc.gov.ph. |
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The CSC eNewsletter is produced by the Publications and Media Relations Division - Public Assistance and Information Office of the Civil Service Commission, headed by Director IV Maria Luisa Salonga-Agamata.
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For interviews/media guestings, please call 8931-4180 and look for Ms. Anne Giselle Torres or Ms. Jaymee Mata, or email us at paio.pmrd@csc.gov.ph.
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