A Brief Yet Meaningful History of the Philippine Civil Service

When you think of 'civil service,' what comes to mind? For most, it's the dreaded exam that seems to have more legends than answers. But behind that test is a rich history of reform, resilience, and the ever-evolving quest to build an efficient, honest, and people-centered bureaucracy. Let's rewind the tape and trace the roots of the Philippine Civil Service system, a tale that spans over a century and several constitutions.

Historical Timeline Notable Figures By the Numbers Evolution of the Examination Legacy and Impact

Historical Timeline of the Civil Service Exam

1900

Public Law No. 5

The Humble Beginnings

The Philippine Civil Service officially began under Public Law No. 5, enacted by the Second Philippine Commission, titled: "An Act for the Establishment and Maintenance of an Efficient and Honest Civil Service in the Philippine Islands." It created the Civil Service Board, composed of a Chairman, a Secretary, and a Chief Examiner, to administer examinations and set appointment standards.

Established the foundation for qualifying exams.

1905

Bureau of Civil Service

From Board to Bureau

The Civil Service Board was reorganized into the Bureau of Civil Service to professionalize government appointments and counter the 'palakasan system'.

Professionalized government appointments.

1935

1935 Constitution

Merit Over Favoritism

The 1935 Constitution formalized the merit system as the cornerstone of public employment and expanded its coverage to all branches of government.

Enshrined the merit system in the constitution.

1959

Republic Act No. 2260

The Civil Service Law

RA 2260, the Civil Service Law, provided the first comprehensive legal framework, superseding scattered administrative orders and elevating the Bureau into a full-fledged Civil Service Commission (CSC) with department status.

Established the modern Civil Service Commission.

1975

Presidential Decree No. 807

The Civil Service Decree

Presidential Decree No. 807, the Civil Service Decree of the Philippines, redefined the CSC's role as the central personnel agency of the government.

Centralized personnel management in the CSC.

1987

The Constitution & Admin Code

The Present Mandate

The 1987 Constitution and Book V of Executive Order No. 292 (the 1987 Administrative Code) gave the CSC its modern-day mandate, upholding the merit system, promoting ethical behavior, and recognizing the right of government employees to unionize.

Strengthened and modernized the CSC's mandate.

Notable Figures in the History of the Civil Service Exam

William Howard Taft

First Civil Governor of the Philippines

Before becoming the 27th President of the United States, Taft served as the head of the Second Philippine Commission. Under his leadership, the Philippine Civil Service Act (Public Law No. 5) was passed in 1900, officially establishing a merit-based civil service system. He believed that Filipinos were capable of self-governance and should be appointed based on merit and fitness, not political ties.

1901

Celerina Gotladera

First CSC Chairperson (Post-EDSA)

The first Chairperson under the post-EDSA environment, Gotladera spearheaded the decentralization of the CSC by establishing 30 regional offices. She also created the Office of Personnel Relations, laying foundations for more accessible and structured civil service operations.

1987–1988

Patricia A. Santo Tomas

CSC Chairperson

Known for professionalism and public service, she previously became Secretary of Labor and later CSC Chair. She strengthened personnel systems with her academic background (UP Los Baños alumna, Harvard MPA).

1988–1994

Ricardo L. Saludo

CSC Chairperson

Served under President Gloria Arroyo, championing the 3rd Salary Standardization Law to raise government compensation. His tenure ensured that merit and welfare went hand‑in‑hand.

2008–2009

Karlo Alexei Nograles

CSC Chairperson

A modernizer, Nograles focused on digital transformation, streamlining eligibility checks (eCSEVS), automated appointment systems, and upskilling HR practitioners. He resigned in 2024 to enter local politics.

2022–2024

Atty. Marilyn Barua-Yap

Current CSC Chairperson

A distinguished lawyer, public servant, and academic whose career spans more than four decades of service to the Filipino people. Appointed as Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 16, 2024, she is committed to strengthening a merit-based, responsive, and accountable civil service.

2024–2029