PGSO wants more time for inventory on Capitol

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial General Services Office has asked for an extension from the Commission on Audit for the complete inventory report of the executive building.

Initially, the deadline for the full report was last December 31, said PGSO acting head Eva Encabo, but this was moved since they were only able to start the inventory last January 31, a day after suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia was locked out from her office.

Garcia refused to step out from her office even with a pending six-month suspension order for grave abuse of authority filed by the late Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez. Since the order was served last December 19, Garcia has stayed in her office.

When she left her office last January 30 to attend some events in the southern towns of the province, acting Governor Agnes Magpale gave the order for the office to be locked down.

PGSO started the inventory immediately but have yet to complete the whole process including the inventory of the main office of Garcia. Garcia earlier said she will still consult her lawyers on turning over the key considering that it is still her office as the duly elected governor of the province.

Encabo said that they have given staggered reports to COA, requesting to move the deadline from time to time.

“Nakasabot man sad sila kay transition period man sad gud,” she said.

So far, they have submitted inventory reports that included purchases and balance made in 2011 and 2012.

She also mentioned an “airsoft room” which did not have anything in it anymore but they have yet to verify this.

Encabo explained that properties with a lifespan of less than one year can be dropped from the inventory list but equipment with material amounts need to be recorded.

She said that almost everything that needs to be in the inventory report are under the name of Elizabeth Francia, Garcia’s chief of staff.

Francia submitted her resignation letter recently along with five other co-terminus employees of Garcia.  Francia and the other employees failed to report to the office of Magpale last February 1 after the latter issued a memorandum requesting their attendance.

Encabo said that if they need to clarify things under the inventory list they will be writing directly to Francia.  —/BRP (FREEMAN)