CSC checks gov’t offices for no-noon break service

A team from the Civil Service Commission in Central Visayas (CSC-7) visited the National Statistics Office in Cebu City recently to conduct the “Arta Watch.”

Arta Watch is a mechanism to spot agencies’ compliance with the provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Act (Arta) of 2007 focusing on the agencies’ implementation of the “No-Noon-Break Policy” and “Anti-fixer Campaign.”

The team headed by assistant regional director Editha Luzano and assisted by chief personnel specialist Prolaine Daclan and administrative officer of public assistance and liaison division Salve Ilustrisimo arrived at NSO at 12:05 noon.

They observed that the office strictly followed the no-noon break and anti-fixer policies.

During noontime, three of the six service providers manning the teller windows were left to accept applications while the remaining three had lunch.

Two windows for releasing completed documents were also provided, but during noon break only one service provider released the documents while the other also took her lunch.

Another two windows were reserved for releasing during the peak season.

Anti-fixing campaign posters and warnings were posted at the frontline area.

A public assistance desk at the ground floor was not properly labeled though.

Another public assistance and complaints desk was located at the second floor.

The CSC-7 recommended that the desk be properly labeled to guide clients.

The visit ended at 12:47 noon.

The CSC-7 team also visited the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Nov. 28.

The team arrived at the PCSO in Cebu City at 11:45 a. m.

The surprise visit revealed that not all offices of the PCSO adhere to the no-noon break policy.

The cashier’s booth was closed during noon break while the medical assistance division observed the no-noon-break policy, although no information was posted about their service.

An information desk manned by a security guard was also not properly labeled. On the other hand, no anti-fixer campaign materials (banner and calling cards) were visible.

After their visit that ended at 12:50 noon, the team made recommendations, such as the desk for the clients should be properly labeled as “Public Assistance/Complaints Desk,” no-noon-break policy should be strictly implemented at frontline services, Anti-fixer campaign and no-noon-break policy materials must be posted in offices and indicated in calling cards and a comfortable waiting area for clients availing of the medical assistance should be provided.