Rightsizing ‘optional’ in LGUS, Congress, courts

IMPLEMENTING rightsizing in local government units (LGUS), Legislative and Judiciary branches, Office of the Ombudsman, and Constitutional Commissions is “optional” under the administration’s proposed measure, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.

Speaking during the virtual 122nd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, Budget Undersecretary Goddess Hope Libiran said it would also be “optional” for government financial institutions under Governance Commission for Government-owned and -Controlled Corporations (GOCCS) to undertake rightsizing as they are excluded from the administration’s proposed National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP).

“The government financial institutions under Governance Commission for GOCCS are not covered because they are covered by another law. The same with the legislature, the judiciary, Office of the Ombudsman and the Constitutional Commissions including the Civil Service Commission; it’s optional for them on whether to rightsize their agency,” Libiran said, partly in Filipino.

“Rightsizing for LGUS is also optional based on the Local Government Code of 1991 and it also depends on their financial capability,” she added.

The budget official also reiterated that the proposed rightsizing measure does not automatically mean downsizing or reducing the number of personnel in government agencies.

In his first State of the Nation Address, President Marcos, Jr. said the proposed NGRP will entail a comprehensive strategic review of the functions, operations, organization, systems, and processes of the different agencies, and massive and transformational initiatives in the agencies concerned, such as mergers, consolidation, splitting, transfer, and even the abolition of some offices.

Those covered by the proposed rightsizing are the 187 agencies in the Executive branch as well as the GOCCS not covered by Republic Act No. 10149 or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, the DBM said.

However, this will exclude teaching and non-teaching-related positions, medical and allied medical positions, as well as military and uniformed personnel. Libiran noted a need to “upsize these sectors.”

Under the proposal, a Committee on Rightsizing shall also be established to be chaired by the

Office of the Executive Secretary. This will be cochaired by the Department of Budget and Management, with National Economicand Development Authority, Civil Service Commission, and the Anti-red Tape Authority as members.

The committee shall also consult with agencies concerned, accredited public sector unions and other stakeholders on the program implementation.

Affected personnel may apply for positions that will be created as an effect of the rightsizing. Government will also provide a retooling program for personnel so they may apply for vacant positions. Those who opt to retire will receive appropriate retirement benefits.

Separation incentives and refund of Pag-ibig contribution and commutation of unused vacation and sick leave benefits may also be availed by eligible affected personnel.