Tolentino: Reverse ‘deplorable’ CSC resolution not recognizing PNPA cadets as gov’t employees

FILE PHOTO: Cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) during graduation at Camp Gen. Mariano Castañeda in Silang town, Cavite province. MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

MANILA, Philippines — A “deplorable” resolution of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) should be reversed to accept Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) cadets as government employees.

Senator Francis Tolentino is issuing this call Wednesday, noting that CSC Resolution No. 020122 states that PNPA cadets are not government employees and are not covered by civil service law and rules.

READ: Duterte pardons punishments, demerits of cadets from 2022-2025 PNPA Corps

CSC chairperson Karlo Nograles, who is facing the Commission on Appointments Committee on Constitutional Commissions and Offices for his ad-interim appointment confirmation, said he was not aware of the resolution but that such could be amended.

“If it (resolution) can be reversed, it can be modified, and change of circumstances probably can lead to a new resolution that will accept PNPA cadets as government employees,” said Tolentino.

“In fact, they are receiving salaries. They are receiving emoluments, honorarium, etcetera. They are using government facilities. Like the Philippine Military Academy cadets, they’re considered government employees. Perhaps, Your Honor, if confirmed, can do something to initiate a reversal motu proprio of this unfair ruling,” he added.

Nograles responded that they would review it.

Likewise, Tolentino asked Nograles if commanders and junior officers of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) could be considered as civil service workers with honorariums while they are still studying.

Nograles, who said that he fully supports the ROTC program restoration, said that they would look into it.

READ: ‘Big chance’ mandatory ROTC bill will pass 19th Congress — Gatchalian

“We will have to study the – look for a legal basis, Your Honor. I cannot give a categorical answer at the moment. But, we commit to review the proposal,” he told the senator.

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