Reorganization plan: Guv to merge, abolish some depts, offices

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines  —Some departments or division offices at the Negros Occidental Capitol may be abolished or merged when Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr starts to carry out his reorganization plans sometime this year.

Provincial administrator Enrique Pinongan said that, "Under the Local Government Code, there are permanent and optional departments. The optional departments may be merged with other departments if they are found to be redundant or ineffective."

A department with several divisions and those division offices whose functions duplicate with that of others may be abolished, said Pinongan, adding that total reorganization would take a long time though, considering the stringent processes and requirements to be complied with under civil service laws.

Marañon, as of the other day, however has not requested yet the Provincial Board to authorize him to declare a total reorganization of the provincial government.

When that time comes, the governor would create a study committee to scrutinize the functions of each position in every department to determine which is redundant, ineffective and unnecessary, said Pinongan. A placement committee would be formed later, in accordance with the civil service rules on reorganization, he said.

A placement committee would consist of two members appointed by the head of department or agency, a representative of the appointing authority, two members duly elected by employees holding positions in the first and second levels of the career service, and a representative of an employee association.

Pinongan said Marañon will appoint to these committees people from outside government agencies like the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Interior and Local Government to ensure a more objective assessment.

He assured Capitol employees that there will be an impartial and objective assessment of functions, and the appointment of personnel would be based on qualifications to corresponding functions.

Pinongan also said he has no knowledge about rumors that Capitol employees now having low morale because a "powerful" group will axe department heads they don't personally like. He said the CSC laws provide security of tenure and protect any employee against demotion.

Pinongan earlier explained the reorganization was recommended and agreed upon by the department heads during the three-day strategic planning that was attended by all department heads and division chiefs.