Reinstate capitol workers, CSC orders Vizcaya governor

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has ordered Gov. Ruth Padilla to reinstate provincial government employees she dismissed last year over alleged irregularities in their appointment.

In a 22-page notice of decision dated Oct. 2, the CSC also ordered the payment of back wages and other benefits of the affected employees.

The order, signed by CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III, affirmed a CSC regional office ruling last year that nullified Padilla’s order.

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

Padilla, in dismissing the 180 employees, claimed their appointments by former governor Luisa Cuaresma violated the Local Government Code as well as civil service laws, rules and regulations.

She said the appointments also violated the Omnibus Election Code as these were made “during the prohibitory period of 45 days prior to the May 13 elections.”

However, the CSC upheld the dismissal of 18 of the 180 affected workers, saying their appointment “does not appear to be exigent” since they were made after the May 13, 2013 elections.

The 18 employees could also reapply and be considered in accordance with civil service laws and rules, the CSC added.