To: Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Bureau Directors/Cultural Agency Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Superintendents
Chiefs of Services and Heads of Units/Centers
Vocational School Superintendents/Administrators

1. Section 5.8 of Joint DBM-CSC Circular Letter No. 88-1 (Implementing Guidelines for RA 6683 on Early Retirement and Voluntary Separation) provides that positions vacated through early retirement or voluntary separation of their incumbents will be abolished. Noting that teaching and other school services could be disrupted if this provision is implemented, the DECS requested the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to grant an exemption to DECS to the effect that public school teacher positions be automatically retained and refillable (rather than be abolished) in order to avoid such disruption. However, DBM has disapproved the request for the reason that the main objective of the law is to reduce personnel and to grant such exemption would therefore defeat the whole purpose of the program. A copy of the DECS’ request and DBM’s reply are attached.
2. In view of this development and noting that the public school system actually lacks both teaching and non-teaching personnel, the following guidelines are hereby issued:
   1. Regional Directors are hereby authorized to decide for the Secretary on the applications for early retirement or voluntary separation under RA 6683 of personnel in their respective regions below Assistant Superintendent (including that of teachers). Applications of personnel beginning with Assistant Superintendent and higher shall be forwarded to the DECS Central Office for decision by Secretary.
   2. In the exercise of this delegated authority, Regional Directors are advised to strongly consider the importance/need for the person and/or the position involved (i.e. the adverse effect to the service if the position is abolished). Hence, an application that would result in serious disruption of classroom services or the normal functioning of the office as a result of the abolition of the position involved should be disapproved.
   3. All concerned are also reminded to take careful note of the deadlines imposed by law and the implementing guidelines, to wit:
      1. February 17, 1989 for the submission of applications with complete supporting documents; and
      2. Fifteen (15) days upon submission of documents and approval of the application within which to pay the benefits provided under the law and guidelines.
3. It is requested that this Order be disseminated to all officials, teachers and other employees for their information and guidance.

(SGD.) LOURDES R. QUISUMBING
Secretary

Incls.: As stated
Reference: DECS Order: No. 1, s. 1989
Allotment: 1-2-3–(M.O. 1-87)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
AUTHORITY
RETIREMENT
OFFICIALS
RULES & REGULATIONS

DO_s1989_009