SITCOM

A self-styled anti-graft group has filed a criminal complaint against Land Transportation Office regional director Alex Leyson for his continued stay in office despite his appointment's expiration three years ago.

Jay Wendell Silva of the group Kawsa Kontra sa Kahiwian charged Leyson before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Silva, a resident of barangay Pooc, Talisay City, questioned Leyson's continued discharge of the powers and functions of the regional director even if he has not obtained renewal of his temporary appointment, which expired last March 17, 2004 yet.

Silva, in his affidavit, claimed that Leyson's stay as LTO regional director is a blatant disregard of the rulings of the Civil Service Commission, which has already declared his position vacant.

As a result of Leyson's alleged unlawful stay in office has reportedly prejudiced the government because he also continues to illegally claim and receive salary, including representation allowance.  Moreover, he also caused the disbursement of government funds without lawful authority.

Leyson was appointed by President Gloria Arroyo on March 18, 2003, but as he was not a holder of Career Service Executive eligibility, his appointment was temporary and is valid for only one year.

The Civil Service Commission conducted a special audit in August 2005 and was found out that his appointment already expired, as he failed to obtain a renewal of his temporary appointment.

He was required by the CSC to submit proof that his continued stay in LTO is valid, but instead of complying with the order, he filed a motion for reconsideration. However, in an order dated January 10, 2006, the CSC rejected Leyson's motion for reconsideration invoking Section 27, Chapter 5 of the Executive Order 292, which states that temporary appointment shall not exceed twelve months.

On March 2006, Leyson was ordered to stop discharging functions of the regional director.  But according to the complainant, Leyson defied the order and has remained in office and allegedly continued his unlawful discharge of the functions of a regional director.  -Fred P. Languido/BRP