Malacañang updates standards of ‘complete staff work’

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by the authority of President Rodrigo Duterte, signed Memorandum Circular No. 72 on November 15 strengthening the standards of CSW as a requirement for the processing and evaluation of requests for presidential issuances, authorizations, and other approvals. (PCOO File photo)

MANILA — Malacañang has updated the standards of complete staff work (CSW) to ensure efficient and effective delivery of crucial government programs.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by the authority of President Rodrigo Duterte, signed Memorandum Circular No. 72 on November 15 strengthening the standards of CSW as a requirement for the processing and evaluation of requests for presidential issuances, authorizations, and other approvals.

According to the MC, the CSW is the recommendation of a single and coordinated best course of action by a proponent in such form and substance that would enable the Office of the President (OP) to adequately assess and indicate its approval or disapproval of the proposal.

“It has been observed that numerous requests for presidential issuances, authorizations, and approvals are either submitted near target date of promulgation and/or without the necessary staff work having been accomplished by the requesting department, bureau or office of government,” the MC read.

“There is an urgent need to strengthen the existing standards of CSW (completed staff work) and strictly enforce the same with the end view of efficiently and effectively delivering crucial government programs,” it added.

Under the MC, all proposals must be evidence-based, inclusive, and holistic.

Proposals or requests for presidential issuance, authorization or approval from OP should be embodied in a memorandum not exceeding three pages.

The cover memorandum must contain a concise presentation in this format: Title, antecedent, recommendation, rationale, agency coordination, and funding requirement.

The draft action document, implementation plan, and other relevant documents must also be attached to the cover memorandum.

Government agencies and instrumentalities, whose comments are requested, either by the proponent or by the OP, must respond to the request within 15 working days from receipt, the MC read.

In case of failure to respond within the prescribed period and upon proof of receipt of the request for comment, the government agency or instrumentality whose comment was sought must be considered as having interposed no objection to the proposal or position of the proponent.

Failure to comply with the requirements and standards of CSW will be a sufficient basis for the OP not to act on the request or return the same to the proponent.

The MC takes effect immediately.

On Wednesday night, Duterte issued an ultimatum demanding the completion of state offices and departments’ paperwork by December 15.

The President gave the order as he expressed frustration over the slow delivery of public service in some government offices.