The Civil Service Commission turned down the request of the Baguio City Council that the absence of city hall employees who experience adverse effects of anti-Covid-19 shots should not be deducted from their leave credits.
City Human Resources Management Officer Augustin Laban III said the city government has considered putting in place an internal policy where such absences shall be deemed as excused.
He said Mayor Benjamin Magalong agreed with the plan considering that adverse effects are beyond an employee’s control.
CSC-Baguio Director II Anita Paredes said the central offices of the Commission and Department of Labor and Employment have not yet issued any order allowing “excused absences”.
“We are with you on your humanitarian stand and compassionate leadership, but we have to have a legal basis on this matter,” Paredes said.
She said CSC-Cordillera Director Marilyn Taldo already raised the issue to its central office but pending an advisory, absences incurred resulting from experiencing adverse effects of vaccination shall be charged against an employees’ sick leave credits.
DOLE-Cordillera Asst. Director Anthony Wooden said the leaves of employees relative to the Covid-19 vaccination will be governed by company policies or the employer. – Jordan G. Habbiling
April 20, 2024
