Senior citizen commission executive suspended for neglect of duty

MANILA, Philippines — A National Senior Citizens Commission (NCSC) official has been suspended for three months following allegations of gross neglect of duty, among other offenses.

NCSC Commissioner Reymar Mansilungan has been placed on preventive suspension as he is facing administrative charges of serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct and gross insubordination.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Malacañang found that a prima facie case exists against Mansilungan after a preliminary investigation was launched by the Office of the President on the heels of a House inquiry last year led by Rep. Rodolfo Ordanez, chair of the House committee on senior citizens.

Bersamin suspended Mansilungan in an order dated Feb. 3, by authority of President Marcos.

A certain Miguelito Garcia filed an affidavit-complaint on Aug. 4, 2023, asking the government to probe Mansilungan for various offenses.

Mansilungan was accused of serious dishonesty for misrepresenting his educational background in his application as an NCSC commissioner.

He reportedly used public funds to rent an office in Lucena City, which happens to be a residential building, with no official receipts issued.

He also allegedly used NCSC training funds for personal expenses, such as meals and alcoholic beverages.

Mansilungan was charged with gross neglect of duty for refusing to appoint former president Rodrigo Duterte’s nominated executive director.

He also granted midyear bonuses to contract of service workers.

Mansilungan has 10 days to answer the allegations and submit evidence.