"Only qualified and licensed librarians shall be employed as librarians in all government libraries."
On 19 Jan 2018, I filed a complaint with the Ombudsman that questioned the appointment of a non-librarian as Director of the National Library of the Philippines. On 14 Feb 2018, I filed a supplement to the original complaint that charged the current Director with illegal practice of the profession.
This blog post shares the documents that I submitted to the Ombudsman, provides links to relevant sites (where, for example, you can verify for yourself if the current #NationalNonLibrarian is, in fact, not a licensed librarian), and links to all the articles and shows that have mentioned the complaint.
Just to be clear, I am NOT interested in the position. I filed my complaint because we have to safeguard the integrity and values of ALL professions by making sure that only licensed professionals are allowed to practice.
Here's the PDF of the complaint that I submitted on 19 Jan 2018:
Here's the PDF of the supplement to the Jan 19 complaint, which I submitted on 14 Feb 2018:
Here are the relevant links:
THE LAW RA 9246 - AN ACT MODERNIZING THE PRACTICE OF LIBRARIANSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES THEREBY REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6966
"SEC 31. Employment of Librarians. – Only qualified and licensed librarians shall be employed as librarians in all government libraries."
THE JOB ADVERTISEMENT
As posted by the Civil Service Commission:
"Qualification Requirements
• Others : must be a licensed librarian"
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Excerpt from the message read by a subordinate at the national congress of librarians in Bacolod last November 2017. (Yes, he could not even be bothered to deliver it himself.)
"...The President himself had witnessed the destitute situation of majority of the Filipino people. With the numerous impoverished places he visited, he resolved that should he win the presidency, he would prioritize the majority who have been denied even of basic services from the government. His compassion over the poorest of the poor has been marked in his heart.
And so, when he won, he handpicked the people whom he believed could run with this vision. I am among those designated, not because I am the most qualified for the position, but because I have the trust and confidence of the President. To work with him closely in delivering government services to the majority who have been denied for these benefits for decades.
I have worked for Mayor Duterte, now President of this Republic, within fifteen years. My work as among the human resource officers was to hire, to deploy, and if ineffective, to fire. Over and above this, I handled some confidential matters for the mayor. I am appointed in this agency for a mission, ensuring that all citizens, especially the poor and other vulnerable groups, have access to NLP services..."
IS HE A LICENSED LIBRARIAN?
See the answer for yourself at the website of the Professional Regulation Commission: Verification of Professional Licenses
