Rehabilitation privilege for government employees up
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced that all government personnel with permanent, temporary, casual or contractual appointments, including those with fixed terms of office may avail of the Rehabilitation Privilege during their employment with their agency in accordance with the guidelines formulated for its availment.
Rehabilitation Privilege is a privilege that is granted to an employee for a maximum period of six months for wounds and injuries sustained while in the performance of official duties. The duration, frequency and terms of availing of the privilege shall be based on the recommendation of medical authority.
In the guidelines set by the CSC, performance of duty means situations wherein the official or employee was already at work. Illness or sickness resulting from or aggravated by working conditions or the environment cannot be the basis for availing of the privilege. Injuries sustained while the employee was going to work and going home from work are also not considered sustained while in the performance of official duties.
Absence from work during the period of the rehabilitation privilege shall not be deducted from the accumulated sick and vacation leave credits of the employee. However, they will not earn any leave credits for the period. They shall likewise receive their salaries and regular benefits.
Claimants of the rehabilitation privilege are entitled to reimbursement by their agency for first-aid expenses, preferably in government facilities. Reimbursement is however subject to availability of funds and shall not exceed P5,000 unless the expense is certified as necessary by medical authorities and approved by the head of agency.
(PIA6)