Section 54September 19, 1991, Sec./Art. 54

Disciplinary Actions. – In the investigation of administrative cases against officers and employees of the Department, the applicable rules and regulations and guidelines promulgated by the Civil Service Commission shall be strictly observed.

No officer or employee of the Department shall be subjected to disciplinary action or otherwise be removed or separated from the Service except for cause as provided for by law in accordance with requirements of due process.

Disciplinary action may be taken against an officer or an employee only by the appropriate disciplinary authority, to wit:

(a) The President for all presidential appointees of the Department, upon the recommendation of the Secretary; and

(b) The Secretary for all those appointed by him or by his predecessors.

No officer or employee of the Department facing administrative charges shall be effectively suspended or otherwise prevented from exercising his normal duties and functions unless so ordered by appropriate disciplinary authority on grounds provided for by law.

In the interest of harnessing all the human resources in the Department, no officer or employee shall be "frozen" or "floated" or otherwise deprived of an assignment, duties or functions appropriate to his rank and position, except for justifiable reasons.