Gov Vi to respect CSC ruling vs provincial exec

BATANGAS, Philippines – Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto yesterday said she would abide by the ruling of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) dismissing her provincial administrator for allegedly faking his career service eligibility result. 

“As a public servant myself, I will respect whatever the CSC decides on the case of (provincial administrator Victor Reyes),” Santos-Recto said.

In a 12-page decision dated last June 25, the CSC found Reyes guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, falsification of official documents, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. 

CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III, Commissioners Robert Martinez and Nieves Osorio and director Dolores Bonifacio affirmed the earlier decision of the CSC regional office on Reyes’ dismissal.

Santos-Recto, however, said she would observe due process, as Reyes would still file a motion for reconsideration. “Let’s wait for the final decision,” she said.

Reyes, according to the CSC, falsified his personal data sheet for indicating that he obtained an 83 percent grade in the Career Service Professional exam supposedly conducted in Quezon City on Dec. 10, 2004.

However, verification with the CSC’s Integrated Records Management Office showed there was no civil service exam conducted in any regional office on Dec. 10, 2004. 

In his defense, Reyes said he acted on good faith in submitting his civil service professional eligibility result that was apparently mailed to him by the CSC. 

Reyes also argued that his service eligibility should not be in question because he is holding an appointive position.

Aside from dismissal, the CSC also penalized Reyes with cancellation of his eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and non-taking of civil service exam.