2 Cebu solons want local legislators given eligibility

CEBU, Philippines - At least two Cebuano congressmen are seeking to grant civil service eligibility to all members of the local legislative bodies who have served for three consecutive terms.

Representatives Pablo John Garcia (3rd district, Cebu) and Ramon Durano VI (5th district, Cebu) co-authored House Bill 4357 together with Aangat Tayo Partylist Rep. Daryl Grace Abayon.

The measure was already passed for third and final reading by the House of Representatives.

The bill encourages members of local legislative bodies to be efficient and committed to public service.

Under the existing law, only barangay officials are conferred with the civil service eligibility based on the number of years they have served.

The authors found it ironic that other elected officials, after having faithfully served and upheld the best interest of public service for many years, cannot even apply for and hold government positions unless they have taken and passed the civil service examination.

Granting them civil service eligibility is a way of recognizing their sincere efforts and contributions as partners of the national government in nation-building.

Under the measure, a career service professional eligibility is granted to a local legislator who has an aggregate of at least nine years of government service and a college graduate.

On the other hand, a sub-professional eligibility is granted to members of the Sangguniang Bayan, Sangguniang Panlunsod and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members who have served at least six years in office provided he has earned at least 72 units in any baccalaureate degree. — (FREEMAN)