Noynoy stands by his men over memo circulars

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has defended the revision of the memorandum declaring all non-career government executives fired as of June 30.

Mr. Aquino said he has discussed the issue with Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa who signed the revised order.

“Was there a lapse? I don’t think so,” he told Palace reporters in a chance interview after the Armed Forces turnover ceremonies at Camp Aguinaldo last Friday.

“There were those who gave feedback that the order was not that clear to them. So there was a necessity to clear it up.”

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda earlier said the order was revised because it needed “fine-tuning.” 

Memorandum Circular No. 1, issued last June 30, ordered all non-career executive positions vacant as of June 30 and retained all contractual employees until July 31.

The revised memorandum, issued last July 1, ordered all coterminous third level positions vacant as of June 30. Non-career executives, meanwhile, were ordered to continue performing their duties.

It likewise retained contractual employees until July 31.

Lacierda said the memorandum was revised so that government services would not be interrupted.