FOR lack of qualifications required by law, at least 275 personnel of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) are at risk of losing their jobs.
In a statement, the BuCor said these employees had five years torectify their qualification deficiencies as by obtaining the minimum educational requirement and eligibility as stipulated by the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013.
The BuCor said the Civil Service Commission approved the qualification standards in March 2018, and the five-year period lapsed in March 2023.
However, considering the difficulties brought about by the coronaviruspandemic, BuCor said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla extended the deadline until March 16, 2024.
BuCor said that of the 421 employees initially placed on the chopping block, 41 filed their early retirement, while 105 complied with the eligibility and educational requirements.
This left 275 employees who were likely to be terminated.
While BuCor director general Gregorio Catapang appealed for another extension, Remulla said he could not do this, as extending the deadline could compromise the effectiveness of the attrition system.
“While the Department understands the difficulties suffered by the personnel during the COVID pandemic, it is essential to strike a balance between the exigencies of the service and the need to uphold the statutory requirements provided under RA 19575,” Remulla said.