WITH an overwhelming 266 votes, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading Wednesday the proposed measure that will create more “mandatory” positions for human resource management officers in all local government units nationwide.

House Bill (HB) No. 8520 amended several provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act 7160), which then specifically efined the powers and duties of HR officers in municipalities, cities and provinces.

Some of the principal authors include Reps. Ruth Mariano Herrnandez, Manuel Sagarbarria, Wowo Fortes, Margarita Nograles, Gus Tambunting, Ricardo Kho, Mercedes Alvarez, Salvador Pleyto, and Manuel Jose Dalipe.

The same measure also provides for the designation, as well as the requisite “qualifications,” of business permit and licensing officers (BPLOs) for municipalities and cities – from Luzon, Visayas and all the way to Mindanao.

Aside from these two local officials, the measure also prescribed the appointment of a Cooperatives Development Officer (CDO), where the LGUs concerned have the option to appoint such official “in a related office, unit or department.”

These cities, municipalities and offices in the Provincial Capitol shall also have the power to set the rank, remuneration and other emoluments of these officers, but strictly in compliance with “existing laws, rules and regulations.”

HB 8250 also allows LGUs to appoint all officials – HR and licensing officer – as well as “merge” the CDO post “to an existing position or official in a related office, or unit or department” in the locality where these officials may be designated.

A human resource officer, according to the bill, should be a Filipino, a resident in the locality, of good moral character, a college graduate preferably a Psychology major, a course in public
administration, or a law student from a college or university.

Eligibility also includes passing the Civil Service Commission exams, must have acquired experience in the field for at least five (5) years – if he wants to be in the provincial government, and three (3) years if in the municipality.

A business permit licensing officer should preferably be a holder of a degree in business administration.

“No new employees shall be hired until all current qualified employees have been considered and duly appointed,” a portion of HB 8250 read.

“Temporary and casual employees who possess the necessary qualifications and appropriate civil service eligibility for permanent positions shall likewise be given preference in the selection and
appointment to positions vacated by those who have been appointed to the newly-created positions.”