Section 18. Reassignment of Public Social Workers. —

Except in the interest of public service, no transfer or geographical reassignment shall be made or effected without written notice to a public social worker: Provided, That said written notice, stating the reasons for the reassignment, shall be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of transfer or reassignment: Provided, further, That if the public social worker believes that there is no justification for the transfer and/or reassignment, he/she may appeal his/her case to the CSC, which shall cause his/her transfer and/or reassignment to be held in abeyance: Provided, furthermore, That reassignment coinciding with any local or national election shall be made in compliance with Election Code and other existing laws and rules: Provided, finally, That the necessary expenses of the transfer and/or reassignment of the public social worker and his/her immediate family shall be paid for by the agency concerned.