Question Promotion

Good day!

1. May I please be informed how strong the three-salary grade limitation applies?
"Under CSC Resolution No. 1600732 issued on July 7, 2016 and published on August 5, 2016, the Commission reiterated the policy that no government employee may be promoted to a higher position which is more than three salary grades higher than his or her present position, popularly known as “quantum leap”, except in meritorious cases." (source:http://news.pia.gov.ph)

2. Moreover, would the next-in-rank applicant in the second level of the Career Service be chosen over the much lower rank employee holding a first level position (In reference to the provisions of Section 9(b) and Section 19 of Presidential Decree No. 807, the CSC promulgated Resolution No. 83-343 (Rules on Promotion); Sections 2 and 4 )?

3. Upon filing of applications, isn't it part of the initial screening process to disqualify the first level position holder applicant since the vacancy is a second level, and there is a second level applicant who also happens to be the next-in-rank to the vacancy?

The next-in-rank is three step lower than the vacancy which I believe will be acceptable since he holds the next in rank position. The other contender is six steps lower than the vacancy. Both applicants meet the qualification requirements for the vacancy. They have the same bachelor's degree course except that they differ in their eligibilities, the next-in-rank being eligible in the second level of the Career Service and the other being a board passer. The vacancy requires CSC professional eligibility, but does not require a board passer, and is very general in the bachelor's degree requirement. Both applicants have not hold any other positions higher than their current positions. The vacant position does not state a preference to higher qualifications in the QS.

4. Should the next-in-rank be given preference for promotion?

Good day!

1. CSC Memorandum Circular No. 18, s. 2016 provides for the rules relating to the three-salary grade limitation on promotion.

2. Relevant to your 2nd and 3rd queries are the provisions under CSC Memorandum Circular No. 3, s. 2001 (Revised Policies on Merit Promotion Plan), which states:
"1. Selection of employees for appointment in the government service shall be open to all qualified men and women according to the principle of merit and fitness. There shall be equal opportunity for men and women at all levels of position in the agency, provided they meet the minimum requirements of the position to be filled.
"10. For vacancies in the first and second levels, all qualified next-in-rank employees shall be automatically considered candidates for promotion to the next higher position.
"12. The appointing authority shall assess the merits of the PSB's recommendation for appointment and in the exercise of sound discretion, select, in so far as practicable, from among the top five ranking applicants deemed most qualified for appointment to the vacant position.
"13. The appointing authority may appoint an applicant who is not next-in-rank but possesses superior qualification and competence, and has undergone selection process.

For a copy of the aforementioned circulars, please go to www.csc.gov.ph under subheading Issuances.

Thank you.