Section 22
SEC. 22. Section 32 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: "SECTION 32. Merit and Compensation System. All officials, agents and employees of the Authority shall be selected and appointed on the basis of merit and fitness in accordance with a comprehensive and progressive merit system to be established by the Authority The recruitment, transfer, promotion and dismissal of all personnel of the Authority, including temporary workers, shall be governed by such merit system: Provided, That the regular professional and technical personnel of the Authority shall be exempt from the coverage of the classification and compensation plans of the WAPCO and Civil Service rules and regulations: Provided, however, That such personnel shall be permanent in status and shall be entitled to the benefits and privileges normally accorded to government employees, such as retirement, GSIS insurance, leave and similar matters: Provided, further, That the Director General of the NEDA shall review and recommend the approval of the staffing pattern for professional and technical personnel of the Authority including modifications thereof as may be necessary for five years from the date of approval of this Decree.