The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced that the public can now get information on civil service laws, rules, and regulations through its Online Information and Legal Assistance forum.
In a news release, the commission said the online facility, aims to give citizens a more accessible and cost-effective means to seek advice or clarification on legal matters, such as processes for handling administrative disciplinary cases, invalidation or disapproval of appointments, personnel actions, and other civil service policies. However, the forum will not entertain queries regarding pending cases.
Through the project, the CSC said it hopes to increase understanding of civil service rules, as well as to reduce phone-in and walk-in queries.
Users need to create an account and log in so they can post their queries and comments or join a conversation on their topic of interest. Action officers from the CSC?s Office for Legal Affairs are at the other end to answer questions or give advice. Use of the online forum is free-of-charge.
The CSC, however, noted that the project was designed only as a venue for obtaining basic information or legal counseling service.
Binding legal opinions and rulings, especially on more complex issues, will have to be issued by the commission upon submission of a formal written request, the CSC said. Moreover, the forum is not intended for lodging questions on civil service examinations. — PNA
