DSWS chief replaced with casual

CEBU, Philippines - An impending revamp at the Cebu City Hall will soon affect Department of Social Welfare and Services chief Cathy Yso who will be transferred to the Department of Public Services.

Yso will be designated as assistant department head of the DPS from being an OIC department head of the DPS. However, no formal memorandum has been issued yet.

But Mayor Michael Rama said the “lateral movement” will be effective very soon.

Rama said Yso will be replaced by Dr. Esther Concha, the current executive assistant of Councilor Augustus “Jun” Pe, Jr.

He said that Yso will be needed in the DPS to fill the vacancy that will be left by Engr. Maria Concepcion Encabo who is now focusing on the Bus Rapid Transit Project.

Yso’s impending transfer is seen as politically motivated because of her perceived closeness to South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña. Yso used to be Osmeña’s secretary before her appointment to the DSWS.

Rama however denied that the move is politically motivated.

“Let’s stop relating it (to politics). As I’ve told you, if I will pay attention to all the txt messages I receive, many could have lost their jobs already,” Rama said.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young said that they have been expecting Yso’s transfer long ago so there is no longer even a bit of surprise.

Though he denied the revamp is a political move, Rama said that there will be more movement that will affect more department heads.

Even if Yso will be transferred to DPS, she will still be assigned on addressing the night-dwellers.

Concha’s appointment as Yso’s replacement however may have some legal hitches with the Civil Service Commission because she was recently declared by the court as winning candidate for barangay captain in Calamba. The court ruling however is still subject of a motion for reconsideration filed by Barangay Capt. Victor Quijano.

Human Resource and Development Officer Veronica Morelos said Concha is not also eligible to hold a second level position because she is just a casual employee. Only a regular employee may be allowed to hold an OIC position.

 “If you are a casual employee, you can not hold a position that will supervise regular employees,” Morelos said.

Unless, however, Concha will be given a coterminous position, Morelos said.

A coterminous position also does not need Civil Service eligibility. (FREEMAN)