1. Enclosed is a copy of Administrative Order No. 70^* dated June 17, 1999 entitled "PRESCRIBING ECONOMY MEASURES IN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS BY LIMITING THE FILLING OF VACANT POSITIONS IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH".

2. Attention is particularly invited to Section 3 thereof which states that only 10% of vacant positions as of December 31 of the preceding calendar year, net of those identified under Section 2 may be filled by appointment or hiring of new employees in a year. Filling of vacant positions over and above the allowable 10% may be allowed only upon abolition of existing positions with commensurate or higher salary. Said Administrative Order also limits the filling of vacant administrative positions up to 40% of the vacant itemized positions authorized to be filled in a year.

3. All DECS issuances inconsistent hereto are hereby revoked.

4. For your guidance and compliance.

Adopted: 4 Aug. 1999

(SGD.) ANDREW GONZALEZ, FSC
Secretary

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^* Already Included under the Office of the President, please see NAR 10/3, page 823.