BSP axes 4 as crackdown on ghost employees continues

MANILA, Philippines —  The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has dismissed four “absentee” employees in the offices of two former Monetary Board members, citing serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and habitual absenteeism as the grounds for their removal.

The central bank told The STAR that earlier in July, the Monetary Board approved the dismissal of the four employees and imposed severe penalties on the individuals.

“Their penalties include cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and a bar from taking civil service examinations,” the BSP said.

Meanwhile, the cases of two supervisory-level employees are still in progress as the findings were contested, and the presentation of evidence is ongoing.

“After final submissions, the proceedings are expected to conclude by the first quarter of 2025, at which point the Office of the General Counsel will make its recommendation to the Monetary Board,” the BSP said.

The issue of ghost employees, or individuals listed on payrolls despite not performing any actual work, became a serious controversy for the BSP earlier this year.

The issue first emerged when the Office of the General Counsel started an investigation in October 2023 after receiving “credible information” that several employees under the two Monetary Board members had not been reporting for work but were receiving salaries.

The matter gained public attention in early 2024. Preliminary findings revealed that four employees were systematically absent from their posts, while two supervisors were implicated after they failed to report or acted negligently in monitoring attendance.

The employees tendered their resignation from the central bank in the first quarter. The administrative disciplinary cases were filed in March before the effectiveness of their separation.

“All offices/departments, including the Offices of Monetary Board members, have been reminded to strictly enforce attendance controls,” the BSP said.

“Temporary enhanced procedures have been implemented until a new HR system goes online in 2025. A review of BSP rules and processes is ongoing,” it added.

The crackdown on ghost employees reflects the BSP’s zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, reinforcing its dedication to upholding ethical and professional standards in public service.