The Civil Service Commission (CSC) condemned the recent incident involving an employee of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) caught on camera allegedly having her hair rebonded without a face mask while on duty.
“Kita niyo naman po sa video, napapaplantsa siya ng buhok. Naghihintay ako roon for almost two hours (As seen in the video, she is having her hair ironed. I have been waiting there for almost two hours),” video uploader Arian Bodiongan said.
CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada emphasized that government employees should do away with such activities while on duty, especially when there is a pandemic. She added that it is “very embarrassing” and “so disappointing.”
“You really do not do your personal business during official time, bawal na bawal po ‘yan (that is prohibited),” Lizada pointed out.
What is more bothersome for Lizada is the non-wearing of face mask by the said employee.
“Nag-isip po ba kayo o inisip niyo lang ang rebond niyo at nakalimutan niyo nang mag-mask?… IATF guidelines na po ang na-violate ng empleyadong ito (Did you even think or were you just so keen on your rebond that you forgot to wear a mask?IATF guidelines have been violated by this employee).”
The LTO has already issued a temporary suspension for its staff due to violations of the Civil Service Code.
Meanwhile, the CSC reminded agencies to implement health protocols amid the increase of confirmed cases within government agencies. There are currently 10,344 government employees with COVID-19, 7,472 of whom are in Metro Manila, 1,226 in Central Visayas, and 404 in Region 4.
Aside from wearing face masks and social distancing, skeleton workforce must also be followed. Swab testing, disinfection, and quarantine must immediately be conducted if there is a positive case.
Employees including those under Contract of Service and job order must also be compensated. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
