CSC orders Vizcaya governor to reinstate capitol workers

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines â€“ The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has ordered Gov. Ruth Padilla to reinstate the employees of the provincial government whom she dismissed when she assumed the post in June.

In a 20-page decision, the CSC regional office, ruled that Padilla has no authority to revoke the appointments of the 82 permanent capitol employees, noting that such power only “resides in the Commission.”

Aside from reinstatement, Padilla was also ordered to pay the workers backwages.

The decision, dated Oct. 10, however, is not yet final and executory as the CSC gave Padilla 15 days to file a motion for reconsideration.

The CSC decision stemmed from the complaints of the 82 capitol employees displaced by Padilla’s Executive Order No. 3, which recalled, withdraw and revoke their appointments.

Aside from the 82 workers, 150 other employees were affected by Padilla’s order, but did not file cases for fear of reprisal and lack of financial capability to hire lawyers.

In her order, Padilla said the workers appointments and promotions, which were issued during the previous administration of Luisa Cuaresma, violated the local government code and the CSC rules and regulations.

The governor claimed the appointments violated the Omnibus Election Code noting that these were made during the prohibitory period of 45 days prior to the May 13 elections.

Padilla said the appointments of the subject employees were made in the absence of personnel selection board.

Citing records, however, the CSC said there was an existing selection board during the previous administration, which screened and deliberated the appointments and promotion of the affected employees.    

As to making appointments during the election period, the CSC said that such circumstances is best left to the discretion of the then appointing authority.

“Padilla overstepped her authority by arrogating unto herself a power which, by clear mandate of the law, resides in the Commission,” said the resolution signed by Bienvenida Ragucos, CSC director for Cagayan Valley.