SENATOR Risa Hontiveros pressed officials from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the government’s ongoing “rightsizing” initiative during a public hearing on the proposed 2025 budgets of the CSC, Career Executive Service Board, and the Anti-Red Tape Authority on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
Hontiveros inquired about the government’s commitment to streamlining the bureaucracy by reducing redundant positions, improving efficiency, and reallocating resources. She specifically questioned CSC Commissioner Aileen Lourdes Lizada on the progress of the initiative, which has been discussed since 2019.
Lizada explained that the CSC and DBM have been in talks regarding rightsizing, suggesting that lowering the optional age of retirement for government employees could be a viable solution. This, she argued, would reduce the number of government employees without requiring significant budget cuts.
Hontiveros also raised concerns about unfilled positions in government agencies, asking, “While we increase the number of eligible candidates, I notice that there are still unfilled vacancies. What is the government’s policy for unfilled positions?”
Lizada responded that the CSC has been encouraging agencies to fill vacancies but cannot force them to do so. She added that some positions may no longer be necessary or that the salary grade is too low to attract qualified applicants.
The Senate hearing highlighted ongoing concerns about the government’s commitment to rightsizing and the potential impact on public service delivery. Hontiveros’ questions prompted further discussion on the effectiveness of the initiative and the need for a clear strategy to address unfilled positions in government agencies.
