A matter of style only

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

It is not surprising that the organization of government workers called Public Services Labor Independent Confederation has come out in support of outgoing Civil Service Commissioner Katrina Constantino David who has reportedly “drawn the ire” of Malacañang for her revealing statements last week before the Makati Business Club.

In her speech before the elite business group, David disclosed that more than half, or 60 percent, of the officials appointed by the President to career executive offices do not have the appropriate qualifications or eligibility for their positions. She also disclosed that some 3,500 of those sitting in high positions now belong to that category.

Malacañang spokespersons have brushed off the statements of the outgoing CSC Commissioner by saying that it is the President's prerogative to pick and name the people she wants to work with. One of such spokespersons pointed out that such is the style of governance of the Chief Executive.

That may very well be, but do our laws, our very Constitution, not specify what qualifications are called for in specific positions of authority in the government? It was for that requirement that the office called the Civil Service Commission was established, because it has to look into the professional preparations of a prospective official or employee for the job he or she is to be appointed to.

What an irony it is that our other agencies and departments are so strict in vetting the qualifications of lower-ranking government workers. No one can be appointed to a teaching position without passing the Teacher's examination, no one can become a doctor without going through the board tests, no one can attach the title of Attorney to his name without hurdling the bar examinations. Not even a clerk or typist can gain permanent employment in any government office without the appropriate civil service eligibility.

And yet, as David also revealed, there are about 90 military and police generals now heading the most sensitive, most vital civilian departments or agencies, and lording it over those who are senior to them, in both tenure and qualifications.

Still, as the apologists insist, “Leadership style yun, eh.”*