Vacate Posts after Oct. 31, Palace Tells Non-CESO Execs

MANILA, Philippines — Government officers who are not Career Executive Service Officers (CESO) must vacate their posts when a three-month extension of their term lapses on October 31.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda on Wednesday announced they will no longer extend the tour of duty of non-career officials holding Career Executive Service (CES) positions in agencies covered in Memorandum Circular 2.

The second circular from the President earlier changed the termination date of non-career officials occupying CES positions from July 31, 2010 to October 31, 2010.

Lacierda said he met with Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. last Wednesday where they tackled whether to implement another three-month extension of the services of government officials affected by MC 2.

"I understand there is no more extension of MC 2, Lacierda said in a press briefing in the Palace. Asked if this was a final decision, Lacierda said: “To my knowledge, yes.”

The President earlier issued MC 2 allowing non-career officials in CES positions to remain in office until October 31 or until their resignations have been accepted and/or until their respective replacements have been appointed or designated, whichever comes first, unless they are re-appointed in the meantime.

In case the head of agency has resigned and no replacement was appointed yet, the second circular authorized the next-in-rank and most senior official of the agency to perform the duties of the position until October 31, 2010 or until a replacement is appointed.

MC 2 sought to ensure continuity of government operations and deliver of services to the people.

The President previously issued Memorandum Circular No. 1 which extended for a month the terms of non-career personnel and contractual workers with the exemption of political appointees.

Non-career officials must gain eligibility through required examination if they intend to keep their jobs in government.

Genalyn Kabiling, Manila Bulletin