Nepotism raps filed versus Barili mayor

CEBU, Philippines - The mayor of Barili town is facing a complaint for nepotism before the Office of Ombudsman for allegedly appointing his relatives into positions in the municipal government.

The complainant, Kim Carmela Veloso, a resident of Barangay Poblacion in Barili, alleged that Mayor Teresito Mariñas took advantage of his position by appointing his brother Aniceto as Human Resources Management Officer.

Veloso said Aniceto’s appointment “is not only scandalous but prejudicial to the interest of the people of Barili” because the authority given to Aniceto allegedly went beyond his designation as Administrative Assistant II.

“The authority given was further expanded to have control over all Department Heads and hold positions such as member of the Bids and Awards Committee of which his brother, the Mayor, is also the Chairman, notwithstanding his plantilla being a mere Administrative Assistant II,” Veloso’s complaint reads.

Mariñas also allegedly allowed Aniceto to sign travel orders of all employees and other elected officials such as barangay captains and municipal councilors, which he has no jurisdiction over.

Veloso said the Civil Service Commission has enumerated the duties and responsibilities of an Administrative Assistant II and these include “performing a variety of skilled and responsible clerical works, receives and types communications and files and keeps records and does related work.”

Aniceto’s appointment has allegedly stirred discussions as to its legality and equitability.

Veloso said the appointment has violated the omnibus rules implementing book v of Executive Order No. 292 and other pertinent Civil Service laws.

Citing the Civil Service Law, Veloso said, “in the local government career service, the prohibition extends to the relatives of the appointment authority, within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or of affinity. The nepotism rule covers all kinds of appointments whether original, promotional, transfer and reemployment regardless of status including casuals and contractual except consultants.”

Aside from Aniceto’s appointment, Veloso also questioned the appointment of one Dr. Fe Villegas as municipal administrator even after Villegas filed her certificate of candidacy for councilor in the recent May elections.

Veloso alleged that Villegas did not resign from her position while campaigning and still allegedly received salary from the municipality. This reportedly ran contrary to the Supreme Court ruling that requires candidates holding public office to resign once they file their certificate of candidacy.

Veloso said this act of Mariñas violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

“No appointments shall be made in favor of a relative of appointing or recommending authority, or of the persons exercising immediate supervision over the appointee, unless otherwise specifically provided by law,” Veloso said.

Veloso cited Republic Act under chapter V title III Human Resources and Development section 79 limitations on appointments stating “no person shall be appointed in the carrier service of the local government if he is related within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to the recommending authority. (FREEMAN)