FOUR employees of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has been fired for serious misconduct, including dishonesty and habitual absenteeism, following an investigation into alleged “ghost employees” within the offices of two former Monetary Board members
The central bank confirmed that the Monetary Board approved the dismissals in July and imposed severe penalties, including cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and a ban from taking civil service exams.
Two supervisory-level employees are still under investigation, with the BSP expecting the proceedings to conclude by the first quarter of 2025.
The investigation into ghost employees, or individuals receiving salaries without performing any work, began in October 2023 after the Office of the General Counsel received credible information about employees not reporting for duty.
The issue garnered public attention in early 2024, leading to the discovery of four employees systematically absent from their posts. Two supervisors were also implicated for failing to report or monitor attendance.
While the four employees resigned in the first quarter of 2024, administrative disciplinary cases were filed in March before their separation became effective.
The BSP has since implemented enhanced attendance controls and is reviewing its rules and processes, with a new HR system expected to go online in 2025.
This crackdown on ghost employees underscores the BSP’s commitment to ethical and professional standards in public service.
