Santiago to review decision dismissing head of DSWS

Ombudsman-Visayas director Virginia Palanca-Santiago said she would review the decision handed down by her fellow graft investigator dismissing from service a City Hall department head.

Santiago recalled that it was her office that conducted the investigation into the case of Nida Sistona, the former head of the Department of Social Welfare and Services.

"Hasta ako nahibulong kon nganong gi-dismiss sa serbisyo si Sistona, apan togotan gihapon nga makatrabaho pagbalik sa gobyerno (I also wonder why Sistona was dismissed, but she is still allowed to be re-employed)," Santiago said.

Sistona, who was dismissed from service by Ombudsman director Edgardo Canton, was found liable for allowing some P30,000 worth of canned sardines of the department to spoil. The goods were buried supposedly to hide the anomaly.

But the Ombudsman's decision still allowed Sistona to be employed in a government office because she was not disqualified from holding government position.

For his part, Mayor Tomas Osmeña has expressed his intention to rehire Sistona as casual employee of the City Hall.

Santiago said if it found out that there is no valid reason to give Sistona a chance to be re-employed in the government, she may file a motion for reconsideration of the decision.

After Sistona was relieved from her post, Osmeña designated his private secretary, Catherine Yso, to head the DSWS.- Rene U. Borromeo