By el Amigo
MANILA – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is preparing reforms aimed at speeding up government recruitment and improving its monitoring of vacant positions and delayed promotions beginning in 2027.
CSC Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Yap told a Senate budget hearing Monday that the commission plans to shift toward competency-based screening, allowing agencies to determine early whether applicants possess the technical skills required for specific jobs.
She said the approach would go beyond existing minimum requirements on education, training, eligibility and experience, which can result in lengthy recruitment processes even when applicants lack job-specific competencies.
Barua-Yap cited internal audit posts as an example, saying applicants could be screened early for relevant auditing experience.
The CSC previously issued Resolution No. 2600005 directing agencies to establish competency-based human resource systems covering recruitment, performance management and employee development.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo questioned why thousands of funded plantilla positions remain vacant and why some qualified employees are repeatedly overlooked for promotion.
Barua-Yap said agency heads retain authority over appointments, while the CSC mainly provides oversight.
She said a planned human resource information system would provide real-time data on vacancies, personnel records and promotion proceedings, enabling the CSC to identify staffing gaps and possible remedial measures.
The reforms form part of the CSC’s proposed 2027 modernization program. (PNA)
