CSC: Cap on Gov’t Workers Under Contracts, Job Orders Needs Study

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Tuesday said that caps on employees under Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) in government agencies must be studied, following concerns raised by lawmakers regarding their rising number. During the House committee on appropriations’ briefing on the CSC’s proposed budget in 2027, Commissioner Ryan Alvin Acebero stated that the commission would look into the possibility of setting limits on these types of employment. Acebero acknowledged that JO and COS workers often have different terms and conditions compared to regular employees, particularly concerning social security and benefits. He indicated that the CSC views the increasing prevalence of JO and COS hires as a matter that requires careful evaluation within the broader context of government human resource management. The concern stems from the potential for these contract-based positions to expand significantly, impacting long-term personnel strategies, budget allocation, and overall public sector morale. The CSC plans to gather data from various government departments and conduct analyses to thoroughly understand the current situation and challenges associated with JO and COS employment. This initiative aims to optimize the government's human resource policies for more sustainable development and efficient governance.