MANILA, Jan. 10 -- A measure creating mandatory positions of human resource management officers for municipalities, cities and provinces hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives.

During a hearing on Tuesday, the House Committee on Local Government, chaired by Valenzuela Rep. Rex Gatchalian, approved the substitute bill that would amend for the purpose Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles said the absence of the Human Resource Management Officer (HRMO) results in a highly politicized situation, wherein at present the accountability for human resources is logged in the local chief executive.

The HRMO shall be responsible for the formulation of a ...