DIRECTING THE SUSPENSION OF THE HIRING OF NEW PERSONNEL FOR PURPOSES OF GENERATING THE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 10% ACROSS-THE-BOARD SALARY INCREASE FOR FI…

WHEREAS, the budgetary requirements of the 10% across-the-board
salary increase effective January 1, 2000 would involve about P13.2
Billion;

WHEREAS, the amount incorporated in the Year 2000 National
Expenditure Program could only cover the months of September 2000 to
December 2000;

WHEREAS, additional sources of funds is needed for the implementation of the said salary increase effective January 1, 2000;

WHEREAS, there is also an urgent need to impose restrictions on the
hiring of new personnel in the national government to contain the growth
of government manpower level and maintain a lean and productive
workforce by optimizing the services of existing government personnel;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the
Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by
law, do hereby order the suspension of the hiring of new personnel in
accordance with the following provisions:

SECTION 1. Coverage. — This Order shall apply to all
positions in all departments and agencies of the Executive Branch,
including government-owned and/or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and
state universities and colleges (SUCs).

The Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government, including Local
Government Units, are encouraged to adopt the provisions of this Order
at their own respective discretion.

SECTION 2. Prohibition . — The hiring of new
personnel whether on a permanent, temporary, substitute, co-terminous,
contractual or casual status, is hereby suspended, except for key
positions, teaching, and uniformed personnel in the Philippine National
Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology.

This prohibition shall not apply to employees transferring from one
department, agency, GOCC or SUC to another as covered by this Order.

SECTION 3. Non-Release of Funds . — Except with
respect to the requirements of the positions exempted from the
aforecited prohibition, no amount shall be released for the purpose of
hiring new personnel.

SECTION 4. Rules and Regulations. — The Department of
Budget and Management shall issue the necessary rules and regulations
for the effective implementation of this Administrative Order.

SECTION 5. Agency Head Responsibility. — Department Secretaries and agency heads shall be responsible for the strict implementation of this Order.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — All executive orders,
other executive issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with
this Administrative Order are hereby superseded and/or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. — This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 01 Dec. 1999

By the President:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
            Executive Secretary