Magpale awaits copy of dismissal order

CEBU, Philippines - The office of Acting Governor Agnes Magpale have not yet received a copy of the order to dismiss employees of the provincial government who were found guilty for grave misconduct along with suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Magpale said that while they’re waiting for the copy, they are also seeking clarification from the office of the Ombudsman regarding the concern on who would implement the order.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol earlier explained that the order, as stated, would have the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) implement the dismissal within 10 days upon receipt since the dismissed employees  are under their offices.

But Apostol said that Magpale, being the acting governor, can assist in the implementation of the order.

Apostol explained that the BLGF of the Department of Finance would be the one to implement the dismissal of Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre and Provincial Budget Officer Emme Gingoyon.

However, Magpale said that only Salubre is under the said office while Gingoyon is under the provincial government.

Gingoyon confirmed that his position is not under BLGF but with the local government unit or in his case, the Chief executive of the province of Cebu.

Not having received yet a copy of the resolution himself, Gingoyon said that the misinformation on the implementing body already poses a big concern. 

“Granting na mao na, something is wrong. Kay ngano man na ang gi-orderan to implement the decision kay ang agency man na wala’y jurisdiction on my function.”

Gingoyon said that this adds up to the irregularities considering that there has been a decision for a case which did not go through due process.

He explained that he was never asked to reply on any administrative complaint and did not even receive an administrative complaint to start with.

“Walay due process ana nga scenario,” Gingoyon said.

Gingoyon added that he was able to give a reply to a criminal case but not to any administrative case. “If whatever adverse decision sa criminal case,dawatun. Naa man due process but sa administrative case, wala gyud.”

Gingoyon, who has been in the service for 27 years, said that he will wait for the copy of the decision and will decide on which legal remedies to take. 

But he said that if an order to vacate his office would be given, he would only do so from competent authority.(FREEMAN)