(Nepotism) /ˈnepəˌtizəm/ - The term comes from Italian word nepotismo, which is
based on Latin root nepos meaning nephew.
mid-17th century: from French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo,
from nipote ‘nephew’ (with reference to privileges bestowed on the ‘nephews’ of
popes, who were in many cases their illegitimate sons. (Oxford Languages)
the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends,
especially by giving them jobs. (Oxford Languages)
Nipite (nephew) – nepotismo – nepotisme (French) – nepotism
Additional information about Nepotism:
In 2016, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reminds incoming government officials to
avoid Nepotism.
“Book V, Title I(A), Chapter 8, Section 59 of Executive Order No. 292, also
known as the Administrative Code of 1987, prohibits nepotic appointments or those
made in favor of a relative of the appointing or recommending authority, or of the chief
of bureau or office, or of the persons exercising immediate supervision over the
appointee.”
“The word “relative” under the said Code refers to those related within the third
degree of consanguinity (relationship by blood) or affinity (relationship by marriage)
such as spouse (1st degree), children (1st degree), sibling (2nd degree), nephew and
niece (3rd degree), and uncle and aunt (3rd degree).”
The CSC said that nepotism is a form of corruption or abuse of authority that violates
Article IX(B), Section 2(2) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states,
“Appointments in the civil service shall be made only according to merit and
fitness to be determined, as far as practicable, and, except to positions which are
policy-determining, primarily confidential, or highly technical, by competitive
examination.”
“Generally, appointments in the civil service should be based on merit and fitness to
ensure a competent and professional workforce. There are rules and qualification
standards that must be considered when choosing to appoint people in government.” –
CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala
Exempted to this rule:
Teachers
Physicians
Members of the AFP
Scientific and technological personnel under R.A. 8439 (AN ACT PROVIDING A
MAGNA CARTA FOR SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, RESEARCHERS, AND
OTHER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PERSONNEL IN THE GOVERNMENT)
Primarily confidential positions (Administrator (provincial/city/municipal),
Executive Assistant, Private Secretary, Chauffer
Involved in the personal security of elective or appointive officials
Personal staff of the elective officials
Department heads
Other Cabinet officials whose tenure is at the pleasure of the President
Chairpersons
Members of commissions and boards with fixed terms of office.
CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala added “that because nepotism favors a few
individuals, fairness in the hiring and promotion process in government is compromised.
This degrades the morale of incumbent civil servants and excludes other, possibly more
qualified individuals from being considered for employment.”
The CSC warned that nepotism is classified as a grave administrative offense
punishable by dismissal from the service.
Reference:
CCB (Contact Center ng Bayan) – Republic of the Philippines, Civil Service
Commission (2016), retrieved on September 7, 2021 at
https://contactcenterngbayan.gov.ph/28-csc-reminds-incoming-gov-t-officials-avoid-
nepotism
