CEBU, Philippines - Instead of letters to explain their absence as requested by Acting Governor Agnes Magpale, six co-terminus employees of suspended governor Gwendolyn Garcia opted to submit their resignation letters instead.
Yesterday, Magpale confirmed that she has signed the resignation letters of Ronald Canopio, Winnona Catipay and Edwin Mixdon. The three did not state their respective reasons for resigning and only indicated their gratitude to the province as well as requesting for the immediate effectivity of their resignation.
Last night, Elizabeth Francia, Garcia’s chief of staff, confirmed that she also resigned along with Amor Sarmiento and Ma. Elena Samson.
Magpale admitted that she was not expecting for the six co-terminus employees to resign even with the issue on loyalty at hand. “Which is why I was amenable to swapping, I was willing to talk to them but dili man gyud sila makig storya.â€
With Garcia suspended, all her co-terminus employees supposedly should be transferred under Magpale as the Acting Governor. Magpale’s employees would then be transferred to Acting Vice Governor Julian Daan.
Daan later on agreed to take in all co-terminus employees of Garcia and Magpale instead, after the latter expressed that she would not be comfortable working with Garcia’s staff.
But the employees were sent a memorandum last January for them to report to Magpale by February 1. Last Friday, a memorandum was also sent to them, requesting for a written explanation on their continued absence. But both memoranda were not heeded as the employees failed to report to Magpale.
Last Wednesday, Atty. Michel Ligan, new CODI head, said that they would be forced to look into ending the contracts of the employees since their continued absence can be considered as absence without leave. The employees have earlier said that they filed for leave of absence but there were reportedly not approved since it was incomplete.
Magpale said that it is unfortunate that the employees decided to resign since she believes they are efficient in their jobs. But she said that could also be the best solution since they would not want to force the employees to work for her against their will.
Further, Magpale said that they would be hiring new personnel for the said positions vacated. In line with the provisions of the Fair Elections Act, Magpale would still be allowed to hire new employees until March 29.
Further, Atty. Czareem Estella, one of Magpale’s legal counsel, clarified that the CODI was reestablished not to pin down the employees of the suspended governor. He said that since the contract of former CODI head, Atty.Lito Astillero, ended, the acting governor had to put in a replacement. Estella said that the committee’s role is vital in solving erring concerns of employees of the Provincial Capitol.(FREEMAN)