No hiring, suspension in 5 Maguindanao towns

MANILA, Philippines - Philippines The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has banned the movement and hiring of civil servants and suspension of elective officials in five towns in Maguindanao in relation to the scheduled plebiscite there from July 30 to Aug. 6.

The plebiscite is intended to ratify the creation of the municipalities of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Solibo and Shariff Saydona Mustapha, pursuant to the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act.

It will be held in the towns of Shariff Aguak, Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Piang and Mamasapano.

In Resolution No. 8632, the Comelec said the “creation and filling up of new positions and giving salary increases” are also prohibited “during the period of 45 days before regular election and 30 days before a special election.”

But according to the resolution, a new employee may be appointed “in case of urgent need provided, however, that notice of the appointment shall be given to the Commission within three days from the date of appointment.”

“Any appointment or hiring in violation of this provision shall be null and void,” it stated.

The transfer of officers and employees in the civil service, including public school teachers, can be made during the election period upon the approval of the Comelec.

But the renewal of appointments of temporary, casual, substitute and contractual personnel is not covered by the prohibition.

In case of suspension of elected officials, a request shall be filed with the Comelec’s law department which has three days to act on the request.

“Any violation of the provisions of this Resolution shall constitute an election offense and shall be punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years, among other penalties provided by law,” the Comelec said.