Search on for non-CESOs

MANILA, Philippines - The search is on for possible replacements for the non-Career Executive Service Officers (CESO) appointed by the previous Arroyo administration.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., in a memorandum sent to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) dated Oct. 28, said department secretaries, heads of agencies and offices in the executive department may now recommend names to replace the concerned officials.

But in the memorandum, non-CESO incumbents may be among the recommendees, even if they have not yet applied for CES eligibility or have failed in CES examinations.

“Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 2 (MC-2) Series 2010 and in the exigency of the service and to ensure continuity of government operations, official processes and transactions as well as the delivery of services to the people, you are hereby directed to immediately submit to the President, through the Executive Secretary, the remaining recommendees for possible appointment or reappointment by the President to Career Executive Service (CES) positions currently occupied by non-CES officers or heads of offices and agencies,” Ochoa’s memorandum read.

Ochoa said those who have already passed the Management Aptitude B (MAP-B) tests but have yet to complete the other stages of CES eligibility process may be recommended.

Also included as qualified are those who have been validly conferred by the CSC with Career Service Executive Eligibility (CSEE) and Career Executive Office Eligibility (CEOE) but have yet to complete the other stages of the CES eligibility process.

Those who have applied for written MAT-B examinations scheduled today may also be recommended for the affected positions.

CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III welcomed Malacañang’s new directive.

Through MC 2, President Aquino ordered the non-CESO officials to vacate their posts last July. 

He later allowed them to keep their jobs until Oct. 31, upon the request of concerned officials.

Duque said Malacañang’s latest memorandum supports the CSC’s stand that civil service eligibility is enough to give non-CESO rank officials security of tenure.

He earlier explained that acquiring CESO rank was a long process involving four stages.