BOC exec’s 17-grade promotion questioned

MANILA, Philippines - A Bureau of Customs (BOC) senior officer questioned yesterday the promotion of the agency’s top intelligence official, saying the latter was promoted 17 salary grades though he is reportedly unqualified for the post. 

Richard Rebong was promoted from the position of Agent 1 with a salary grade of eight to head the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), which has a salary grade of 24, in July 2012, according to Senior Intelligence Officer Eric Albano, one of those he bypassed for the post.

Albano questioned what he called Rebong’s “quantum leap” and noted that the Civil Service Commission (CSC) issued a ruling disqualifying Rebong from the post a month after his promotion, but he has held on to his position five months after the order.

Albano hinted to reporters in Manila yesterday that he will question Albano’s appointment before the Supreme Court.

He presented the CSC-National Capital Region’s 12-page decision dismissing Rebong’s appeal and affirming the CSC Field Office’s ruling against his permanent appointment.

The CSC, in the decision, stated that Rebong cannot hold the post of CIIS chief and the rank of Intelligence Officer V because he lacks the required experience and training, and his promotion violates the rules on the selection and promotion of government executives.

To qualify for the Customs position, the CSC said a candidate should have a master’s degree, at least four years’ experience in managerial and supervisory positions, at least 24 hours’ training in management and supervision, and a professional career service second level eligibility.

The CSC also stressed that the BOC’s personnel selection board acknowledged that “Rebong is not qualified (for) the position of Intelligence Officer V.”

Rebong’s promotion is “more than three salary grade steps,” which is restricted under the CSC’s Memorandum Circular 3, the CSC added.

The memorandum states that only in “very meritorious cases” can an employee be promoted more than three salary grades.

“Certainly, there is no showing that Rebong possesses superior qualifications and competence which may be considered as falling within the purview of ‘meritorious considerations’ warranting exception from the three salary grade limitation on promotion,” the CSC said.