CSC imposes administrative sanctions vs HIV discrimination

MANILA, Philippines — Government employees who discriminate against persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) may now be subjected to administrative sanctions, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said in its new resolution.

In its resolution released yesterday titled “Guidelines on the Investigation and Prosecution of Discrimination Cases against Persons Living with HIV,” the CSC warned that government officials and employees acting solely or partially against a person on account of actual, perceived or suspected HIV status can be held liable of discrimination and thus, may be subjected to administrative disciplinary actions.

Among the acts enumerated by the CSC as forms of discriminatory practices were restriction on travel and habitation, restrictions on shelter, prohibition from seeking or holding public office, exclusion from credit and insurance services, denial of burial services and acts of bullying.

“The new rules shall apply to all officials and employees in all branches and agencies of the government, including national government agencies, local government units, state colleges and universities and government-owned and controlled corporations with original charters,” the commission said.

The CSC said the issuance of the resolution was in support of Republic Act 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act and as part of its initiatives to promote a “safe and healthy working environment for state employees.”

“All complaints for alleged discrimination against PLHIV shall be resolved, settled and prosecuted in accordance with the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service or any further amendments thereto, RA 11166 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations and, if necessary, the Rules of Court,” the CSC said.