"Thousands of government workers may lose jobs"

[m&m]

MANILA, Philippnes - Thousands more are facing the prospect of joining the swelling ranks of the unemployed, as several government bureaus and agencies are planning to reorganize and streamline their operations.

COURAGE Philippines or the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees-Philippines, the umbrella organization of public sector unions in the country, is appealing to incoming President Benigno Aquino III, to reverse the previous government's policy of privatization.

COURAGE also called for Aquino to rescind Executive Order 366, signed in 2004 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

EO 366 called for the review of the operations and organizations of the executive branch, and provided options and incentives for government employees who may be affected by the rationalization of all functions and agencies of the government.

Among those that are affected by EO 366 are the Philippine Ports Authority, National Housing Authority, National Food Authority and the Philippines Postal Service.

"Unless the situation is reversed by the incoming administration, this is the proverbial Damocles sword that could be dropped on small workers of the government," said Ferdie Garte, president of COURAGE.

At the National Power Corp., employees are bracing for the reorganization.

From 8,000 employees in 2001, the workforce was cut to 6,000 in 2003 and a further 3,000 this year.

In the planned Napocor reorganization,50% of the existing manpower will be terminated, with 90% of the company's power generation plants already privatized or sold to the private sector.

Jimmy Salman, North Luzon president of the Power Generation Employees Association, said employees are preparing for the eventuality, but are pressing for a bigger separation package to help them cope while they are unemployed.

Meanwhile, the Civil Service commission reminded newly-elected officials that they cannot remove regular employees, and replace them with workers of their choice.

"Just to remind the new local government executives, they should respect career civil servants," said Francisco Duque, chairman of the Civil Service Commission.

He said that even the transfer, promotion or demotion of regular employees are governed by civil service laws.based on a report of Alvin Elchico, ABS-CBN News

ABS-CBN - Friday, June 25

[crisipicada]

Government in the Philippines are so political in nature.
it is a sad fact that if administration changed so do the employees.
In the local government units, there are lots of employees are force to resign.

[chaychay644]

Government in the Philippines are so political in nature.
it is a sad fact that if administration changed so do the employees.
In the local government units, there are lots of employees are force to resign.

very true..it is so distressing that when you apply for a job in government sectors...they do not look much into the qualifications of a certain person..no matter how qualified you are, you need to have a politician that will help you get that position and i can't really understand why it is like that..

[purex]

Government in the Philippines are so political in nature.
it is a sad fact that if administration changed so do the employees.
In the local government units, there are lots of employees are force to resign.

very true..it is so distressing that when you apply for a job in government sectors...they do not look much into the qualifications of a certain person..no matter how qualified you are, you need to have a politician that will help you get that position and i can't really understand why it is like that..

You are right, Chaychay. When i work before in the legislative department, there is a process how, when and who will get the position in the government especially in the Local Government. Though executive and legistative department are separate body, appointments will pass though a resolution in the office of the city counsil. But most of all, Trust and Confidence prevails. Whether you get the highest score during exam and interview but be noted that trust and confidence is the most important for the appointing officers why they will accept you in any position in the government as long as you meet the minimum requirement. Therefore, develop and good relationship with those people

[crisipicada]

Yes, sometimes politicians are force to appoint those people who help them during campaign in return of their help when they win the election. A very sad fact about our government.

[chaychay644]

develop and good relationship with those people

yup..it will help a lot to make friends with those people in the higher position..

[crisipicada]

Congratulations to President Noynoy Aquino. He is the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines. During his inauguaral speech today, he said, he will hear people's concern and that includes unemployment. Since unemployment rate is increasing every year, it is a must that the government should look into it. Creating job vacancies is one of the solution through inviting foreign investors in the country. On the other hand he wants to have investigated about ZTE Scandal, Fertilizers scam and so on. Still i want to hear from him what are his programs for the next 6 years for the country.