Civil Service Commission to conduct surprise inspections in government offices

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) will conduct surprise inspection of different government agencies and offices, including local government units, to make sure that state workers are doing their jobs courteously and efficiently.

Commissioner Aileen Lourdes Lizada announced that she would lead the surprise visits where she expects government employees to provide quick, courteous and efficient service to the public.

She warned state workers not to play online or mobile phone games and spend time on social media during office hours. 

“In all my regional visits, the formula will be the same. We will visit government offices at any given hour. We need to let government workers know that the CSC is monitoring them,” Lizada said.

The CSC said the spot check is also a way to determine if the human resource policies crafted are implemented on the ground and to address gaps through feedback gathered, especially in the provision of frontline services. 

Lizada said frontline service units are crucial in improving the perception of clients of government efficiency as they are the first line of contact with the citizenry.

She reiterated the warning against playing mobile games during office hours, stressing that it doesn’t matter whether an employee uses government or personal tablets or computers or mobile phones to do so.

In a spot check conducted in the area of Naval in Biliran, the CSC said three employees were caught playing mobile games and watching videos on their phones.  

The spot check was prompted by the issuance of an office memorandum by Naval Mayor Gerard Espina stating that “a significant number of employees” were reported to be playing mobile games during office hours.

Lizada said such an act may be treated as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and noted that government officials and employees found guilty will be suspended for six months and one day up to one year on first offense and dismissed from the service on the second offense.