OCA CIRCULAR NO. 128-2003, September 11, 2003

It has been observed that some beneficiaries of study leave programs
(Human Resource Development Programs and Educational Support Program for
the Lower Courts) particularly the unsuccessful Bar examinees
subsequently apply for vacation leave without pay to review for the Bar
examinations during the period of their service obligation.

To ensure that study leave grantees serve in full the period of
service obligation under their Contract of Undertaking, the Personnel
Development Committee (PDC), in its Resolution No. 18-2003 dated 10 July
2003, resolved to recommend to the Chief Justice that the period of
vacation leave without pay granted to beneficiaries of the study leave
program during the period of their service obligation shall suspend the
running of the period of their service obligation and shall not be
considered as part of the service rendered under the Contract of
Undertaking.

The Chief Justice approved the subject resolution on 16 July 2003 and
made the policy laid down therein applicable to all Human Resource
Development Program grantees of the Supreme Court. The policy was
likewise adopted by the Educational Support Program Committee for the
Lower Courts (ESPC-LC), which was mandated by the Court to strictly
comply with relevant PDC guidelines under Sec. 11 of Administrative
Matter No. 01-4-10-SC (Policies and Guidelines in Human Resource
Development Programs).

In view thereof, the period of vacation leave without pay granted to
beneficiaries of the ESP-LC during the period of their service
obligation shall suspend the running of the period of their service
obligation and shall not be considered as part of the service rendered
under the Contract of Undertaking.

For your information and guidance.

11 September 2003.