Malacañang on Thursday issued a circular authorizing the continuance of service of government officials and employees in the executive branch.

“In the exigency of the service, and to ensure continuity in government operations, while promoting competence, merit and fitness in the selection and appointment of government officers and personnel of departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices in the Executive Branch, officers-in-charge (OICs) and CES (Career Executive Service) eligibles occupying CES positions are ordered to continue to perform their duties and discharge their functions,” Memorandum Circular No. 12 read.

Under the circular signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, OICs of departments, agencies, bureaus and offices, including Non-Career Executive Service Officials occupying CES positions shall continue to perform their duties and discharge their functions until a replacement has been appointed or designated, unless otherwise earlier terminated, in accordance with the specific needs and requirements of their respective departments, agencies, bureaus and offices, and subject to existing civil service laws, rules, and regulations.

Further, CES Eligibles occupying CES positions including on-stream candidates for CES eligibility shall continue to perform their duties and discharge their functions pursuant to law, rules and regulations, unless they are reappointed or replaced, or their respective successors are appointed or designated.

“All government officials and employees covered herein shall abide by the high standard of ethics in public service and discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and patriotism,” the circular read. #