Panlilio suspends provincial engineer

SAN FERNANDO, Pam­panga – Gov. Ed Panlilio has placed under 60-day preventive suspension the chief of the provincial engineering office for alleged dishonesty.

In a statement, Atty. Ma. Elissa Velez, provincial legal officer, said engineer Juanito Macatuno was suspended last Oct. 2 after documents “put into question” his claim of being a graduate of the Manuel L. Quezon University in Manila, as stated in the personal data sheet that he submitted to the provincial human resources management office.

Velez said she had requested for Macatuno’s 201 file after she got a phone call from a concerned citizen who requested that Macatu­no’s school credentials and civil service eligibility be seriously examined.

Macatuno, however, told reporters that his suspension was “mere harassment.” “I was suspended without being given the chance to defend myself,” he said.

Denying that he had fabricated his academic credentials, Macatuno said he has asked his lawyers to file violations of Republic Act 6713, or the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials, against Panlilio. – Ric Sapnu, Ding Cervantes