Hiring to be based on qualifications

The cash-strapped Dagupan City government appears bent on pushing through with its planned reorganization that will result in the lay-off of some 500 employees.

This was indicated by City Administrator Rafael Baraan when he appeared before the committee on reorganization in the Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Councilor Teofilo Guadiz III.

Baraan said the plan is to declare 500 of the 646 permanent positions in the city government vacant, to be filled up by qualified applicants who will pass the screening process.     . 

He defended the reorganization, saying this is meant to improve the delivery of services of the city government and to make its employees more responsive and efficient as the right people would be put at the right place.

Baraan’s statement caused apprehension among department heads for employees who may lose their jobs once the reorganization is implemented.

City hall employees promptly dubbed the planned reorganization as illegal because they claim it undermines their security of tenure which is guaranteed by the Constitution.

Baraan said that the city’s 254 contractual personnel, known as emergency workers, will have to go as they have no place in the reorganization.

The stated exception to their continued employment, he said, is during emergency situations where the city needs to contract out some services for a period not exceeding one year.

He pointed out, however, that emergency workers will also be given a chance to apply for whatever positions they may desire as long as they are qualified for the positions.

There are 823 permanent positions listed in the city government and only 646 are occupied.

Baraan assured that all employees at city hall, whether holding plantilla position or contractuals, will be given the first crack at all the available positions specified in the staffing pattern.

He said the committee on restructuring has already began holding a series of meetings and consultations to review and finalize the planned reorganization even as he assured that no civil servant shall be removed without valid cause and those due for retirement or personnel qualified to avail of early retirement may be retired with appropriate benefits.

Guadiz appeared surprised at the new staffing pattern presented by the Mayor’s office, saying it is contrary to the SP resolution No. 3815 adopting the management evaluation and reorganization study of the city government prepared by the University of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Bernardo Tamondong, city accountant, admitted he is opposed to the plan of the city to hire only certified public accountants or CPAs for the accounting department.

Tamondong stressed that although his staff are not CPAs, they are competent and experienced, having worked in the city hall for several years now.

Baraan clarified that the reorganization aims to match employees with positions based on qualifications and job descriptions.

However, the only possible drawback to this is Baraan’s admission that the city government is still looking for funds to pay for early retirement benefits.

In the end, Baraan said the lack of funds may compel the city government to implement the reorganization on a graduated phase scale.

Prior to the recent committee hearing, Guadiz held meetings with members of the Samahan ng mga Kawani ng Dagupan, headed by Engineer Ogie Ventinella who are all against the planned reorganization. – AQL

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