President Gloria Arroyo recently issued Proclamation 117 declaring the whole month of November as "Buwan ng Pagpapahalaga sa Oras at sa Katapatan sa Kapwa."
The said proclamation stresses that punctuality and civility are two indispensable virtues that our citizenry must possess if the Filipinos are to aspire for a peaceful, prosperous and united society.
It also echoed the need for a new breed of Filipinos who make the most of their time and respect the equal rights of their fellowmen and freedom, thus ensuring a responsible citizenry.
The proclamation is also in reiteration to the Civil Service Commission's rules on habitual absences and tardiness under Memorandum Circular 23-1998.
Under the circular, an officer or employee in the civil service shall be considered habitually absent if he incurs unauthorized absences exceeding the allowable 2.5 days monthly leave credit under the Leave Law for at least three months in a semester or at least three consecutive months during the year.
Penalties for frequent unauthorized absences, loafing or frequent unauthorized absences from duty during regular office hours are suspension for six months and one day to one year for the first offense and dismissal for the second offense.
In case of claim of ill health, heads of departments or agencies are encouraged to verify the validity of such claim and if not satisfied with the reasons given, should disapprove the application for sick leave.
An employee is considered habitually tardy if he incurs tardiness regardless of the number of minutes, 10 times a month for at least two months in a semester or at least two consecutive months during the year.
Penalties for habitual tardiness include reprimand for first offense, suspension for one day to 30 days for the second offense and dismissal for the third offense. - Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV