COTABATO CITY—“There is no specific provision in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that recognizes the promotion of the welfare and protection of security of tenure of regular employees.”
During a public hearing and consultation here last October 23.
Datu Roonie Sinsuat, regional assembly speaker from Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) also said that the BBL suffers “constitutional issues” specifically on matters concerning labor rights and welfare of employees.
He cited BBL’s Article XVI Section 9 which emphasized the “gradual phasing out” of ARMM offices, “without regard to pertinent Civil Service law and rules.”
“Although the government will provide benefits and entitlements, the provisions in the BBL, however, are general and vague and are inconsistent with the applicable laws on separation of employees,” he said.
Sinsuat said the government must provide the necessary mechanism to protect the workers, especially the present employees in ARMM.
“Those who are tenured and competent employees should be accorded preferential right in the appointment of new employees for the Bangsamoro government,” said Sinsuat.
He added that “those who would be forced to resign due to abolition of their positions or separated from services should be given severance pay aside from the computation of their earned leave and other benefits in lump sum.”
Meanwhile, the government peace panel will create a composite team that will coordinate the preparations and ensure a smooth process for the projected transition of government functions from ARMM to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
In an interview with Davao Today, Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman, head of the GPH (Government of the Philippines) Legal Team, said the BTA will serve as the interim government prior to the establishment of the Bangsamoro and the assumption of its elected leaders in 2016.
In a statement, GPH’s Coronel-Ferrer said “the crafting of a clear transition plan for ARMM employees is in the agenda of said composite team,” adding that “the Civil Service Commission and other relevant agencies will be consulted to ensure a smooth transition.”
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles also said that “civil service rules will be followed and civil service eligibilities and entitlements of ARMM employees will be respected during the transition phase from ARMM to the Bangsamoro government.
“We imagine that there may be some reorganization of the governmental structures in consonance with the proposed ministerial form (of government of the Bangsamoro),” Deles said. (davaotoday.com)
