Palace: Online civil service exams possible, telcos must improve connectivity

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday expressed optimism that conducting the civil service examination online is possible, adding that it will call the attention of telecommunications companies to address problems in connectivity.

“Tingin ko po kabahagi na yan ng new normal. Hindi na po tayo puwede maghantay ng bakuna at gamot bago tayo bumalik sa normal na buhay,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said when asked of his thoughts on conducting the civil service exam online.

(I think that would be part of the new normal. We just can’t wait for vaccine or medicine before we can go back to our normal lives.)

“Tingin ko po habang nandyan ang teknolohiya, gamitin natin, lalong lalo na napakadami po natin hinahanap na manggagawa sa gobyerno at napakarami ring nawalan ng trabaho dahil sa COVID-19. Kaya po yan, kakayanin po natin yan,” he added.

(I think that as long as technology is there, we should use it especially that many are needed to work for the government and many lost their jobs due to COVID-19. We can do that, we will try to do that.)

If needed, Roque said he will call the attention of telecommunication companies to address concerns on internet connectivity.

“Tinanong naman ng Presidente, ano bang problema niyo? Kulang daw ng telecoms towers. Ang ginawa ni Presidente, sinabihan lahat ng mga lokal na opisyales, pag hindi ninyo pinayagan tumayo yan, lagot kayo sa akin,” Roque said.

(The President asked them what their problem is. They said they lack telecom towers. So the President ordered local officials to let companies build their cell towers.)

“So wala na pong magiging dahilan ang telecoms company kung hindi nila ma-improve ang ating telecoms facilities at connectivity,” he went on.

(There is no reason for telecoms companies not to improve facilities and connectivity.)

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) said it is looking into possibility of conducting civil service exams online as the pandemic persists.

All civil service exams scheduled in March were postponed due to the community quarantine imposed all over the country.

JPV