Bill seeks to prioritize war vets' children in govt employment

MANILA, Philippines - Children of war veterans may soon have priority in government employment, if a bill pending in the House of Representatives is passed into law. An article on the House of Representatives website (www.congress.gov.ph) said the bill, authored by Rep. Cynthia Villar (Las Piñas) is a gesture of recognition of war veterans' heroism in defending freedom. "It is also one way by which the government can lead the rest of the country in valuing the veterans' contribution to the formation of national consciousness on freedom and independence," she said. The bill is in line with the constitutional mandate of the state to enhance the socioeconomic security and well-being of veterans and their families. It directs all government agencies, including government-owned or controlled agencies to hire or employ any child of a veteran. Should a child not be available or is disqualified, a grandchild shall be hired or employed in his stead. Under the bill, an appointing officer who knowingly violates the act will be punished with a fine equivalent to a month's salary for the first violation and dismissal from the service for the second violation. But to provide clarity, the bill excluded positions confidential in nature, policy determining, or highly technical. Furthermore, the constitutional provision on merit and fitness shall remain in force as the underlying principle in the selection process. Likewise, the coverage of the term "veteran" which is used in the bill shall be defined in accordance with Republic Act No. 6948, as amended. "It is hope that the ideals which moved their parents to give services to the country be instilled in them and eventually work to the advantage of the bureaucracy," Villar added. - GMANews.TV