CSC, PSC reassess plans on granting gov’t eligibility to athletes

FILE: Civil Service Commission (CSC) Commissioner Atty. Aileen Lourdes Lizada was welcomed by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann, in a courtesy visit earlier today at the PSC Administrative Bldg., Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila. (Photo: Philippine Sports Commission/Facebook)

MANILA – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) have agreed to reassess plans on the possibility of granting government service eligibility to national athletes who brought home medals from international competitions.

During a courtesy visit at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday, CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada noted that the current examinations for eligibility would not totally capture the skill set of the national athletes.

“That is why we are pushing for this special grant so that they may still be in government service after their careers and help them ensure their future,” she said as she welcomed the chairmanship of PSC chair Richard Bachmann.

“We also want to reiterate our support to our national athletes who achieved podium finishes for the country,” she said.

Bachmann said it was beneficial for corporate and government institutions to have athletes because “they have undivided dedication and commitment to serve”.

“We thank the CSC for this initiative in supporting the PSC’s vision of changing the lives of our national athletes for the better, whether at their current or post-sports careers,” he said.

The CSC has proposed this plan to the PSC in February 2020.

The commission said the terms of this future agreement would be derived from the existing policies of Republic Act No. 6847 or the Philippine Sports Commission Act and the Republic Act No. 2260 or the Civil Service Act of 1959.

Under the Civil Service Act, sub-professional eligibility qualifies applicants for first-level positions — clerical, trade, and custodial service positions — requiring less than four years of college education.

Meanwhile, the professional eligibility qualifies applicants for first and second-level positions — professional, technical, and scientific positions — requiring four years of college education.