Gov't workers in typhoon-hit areas can get work exemption with pay

MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Friday said government employees working in areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda may be exempted from work with pay until as determined by the head of the agency.

"“While government employees are duty-bound to serve the public, there are times when they too become victims of unfortunate circumstances that prevent them for fulfilling their primordial role,” CSC Chair Francisco Duque III said.

He said heads of state agencies in the affected areas shall take full responsibility for the grant of work exemption, including the period covered and verfification of the employee's eligibility.

"In instances where operations may be immediately restored, even if only in part, agency heads may require employees to work on rotation basis to help in restoring their agency’s operations or to help in relief and rehabilitation efforts in the area," the commission said.

It added that in instances where it is physically impossible to resume work, employees may be temporarily assigned to the nearest regional or field office or attached agency.

Duque said the CSC regional office in Palo, Leyte is operational and ready to attend to clients. Except for the CSC Field Office in Tacloban City, all other Field Offices in Maasin City and Ormoc City (Leyte), Catbalogan City (Samar), Borongan City (Eastern Samar) and Catarman (Northern Samar) are also operational, the commission said.