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CSC: Gov't workers who discriminate vs. HIV patients face sanctions
Government officials and employees who discriminate against persons living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) face disciplinary measures, guidelines by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) showed.
In a statement on Friday, the CSC said its Resolution 25000399 provides for the processes and procedures to investigate and prosecute such discriminatory acts and practices.
Offenses may be carried out solely or partially against a person who may be perceived, suspected, or actually has HIV. The guidelines also classifies discriminatory acts according to location, namely the workplace, learning institution, and hospitals and health institutions.
According to the CSC, some discriminatory practices may include the following:
Restriction on travel and habitation
Restrictions on shelter
Prohibition from seeking or holding public office
Exclusion from credit and insurance services
Denial of burial services
Acts of bullying
"The new rules shall apply to all officials and employees in all branches and agencies of the government, including national government agencies, local government units, state colleges and universities, and government-owned and controlled corporations with original charters," the statement read.
READ: Cover Story | Overcoming HIV: Hope Rises Between Two Red Lines
Cases of discrimination will be handled in accordance with the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, Republic Act 11166 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
Earlier, the DOH requested for a national declaration of public health emergency for HIV following a 500% increase in the number of young Filipinos diagnosed with the infection.
Herbosa had said HIV was currently a bigger health problem than mpox or monkeypox, expressing fears that the number of infections would soon hit 400,000. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
