CSC nullifies Kid Peña’s midnight appointments in Makati

MANILA, Philippines – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has nullified 217 midnight appointments made by former Makati City acting mayor Romulo Peña, saying these violated the election ban on appointments.

The latest batch of revoked appointments involved 118 positions, in addition to the 99 appointments earlier submitted to the CSC Makati Field Office by incumbent Mayor Abby Binay.

Based on records of the Human Resource Development Office, the 217 nullified appointments included 120 positions up for regularization and 97 for promotion.

The invalidated appointment included that of lawyer David Galang as Assistant Department Head II under the International Relations Department (IRD). Galang was Peña’s chief of staff and was officer-in-charge of the city’s IRD and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The CSC voided his appointment, citing his “lack of relevant training.”

Personnel at the Ospital ng Makati, Makati Health Department, General Services Department, and IRD were also affected by the CSC move.

The CSC said the appointments violated CSC Memorandum Circular No. 10, series of 2011, which outlines the rules on appointments issued by outgoing elective and appointive officials.

Based on this memorandum circular, all appointments issued by outgoing elective and appointive officials after the May elections until June 30 shall be disapproved, except if they meet certain conditions for exemption from the ban.

Makati City Personnel Officer Vissia Marie Aldon said more questionable appointments are still being reviewed by the city’s legal department.

“We are grateful for the prompt action taken by the CSC through its Makati Field Office on our request. The timely updating of our Personal Services Budget is crucial to the ongoing final review of our annual investment plan and budget for calendar year 2017,” Aldon said. – Rappler.com