Congressman Brian Poe underscored the importance of strengthening the Career Executive Service (CES) system during his interpellation in the House hearing on civil service matters, calling for reforms that would align the pathways for CESO (Career Executive Service Officer) ranks with the training programs of the country’s premier public service institutions.
Rep. Poe raised concerns over Executive Order 63 (2024), which revoked the automatic CESO eligibility of Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) graduates from the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP).
While acknowledging the rigorous requirements of the CESO process, he emphasized that NDCP remains the premier defense and public policy institution that produces top government and military leaders.
“I recognize the wisdom behind ensuring rigorous training and qualifications for CESO ranks. But I also believe that our MNSA graduates – the best and brightest from government and the armed forces – should not be left out of the bureaucracy’s leadership track. If we can align NDCP’s curriculum with CESO training requirements, we not only maintain standards but also strengthen our pool of career executives,” Poe said.
Poe proposed exploring policy integration between the CESO Board, Civil Service Commission, and NDCP so that components of CESO training such as leadership immersion and management modules that can be embedded within the MNSA program.
Poe further stressed that these reforms could also apply to other public service colleges and specialized institutions, including the Philippine Public Safety College and the Foreign Service Institute.
“We should look into CESO opportunities for graduates of institutions like the Public Safety College and the Foreign Service Institute. These are pillars of our governance and diplomacy, and their graduates should be better positioned to serve in executive capacities,” he added.
Rep. Poe committed to working closely with the CESO Board and Civil Service Commission in studying and developing policies that will balance meritocracy with recognition of institutional excellence.
“Strengthening our civil service means ensuring that our bureaucracy remains competitive, professional, and globally respected. By recognizing the contributions of our defense, safety, and foreign service leaders, we reinforce the very foundation of good governance,” Poe concluded.
Meanwhile, this initiative was backed by Bulakenya Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita, former President and CEO of the National Power Corporation (Napocor) and former Provincial Administrator of Bulacan.
“As a government executive and Career Service Executive Eligible ( CSEE) , I welcome and fully support the initiative of Congressman Brian Poe to strengthen the Career Executive Service (CES) pathways by aligning them with the country’s premier public service institutions,” Sta Rita said.
She said the proposal is timely, necessary, and deserves full support.
Sta Rita added that CES is the backbone of a professional bureaucracy and strengthening it means strengthening good governance.
Graduates of NDCP, PPSC, and FSI already undergo rigorous training.
“Embedding CESO competencies in their programs is a practical reform that preserves standards while widening opportunities. This measure ensures a stronger pool of career executives—professional, competent, and globally competitive,” Sta Rita said.
