CEBU, Philippines- Cebu City Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos has questioned the validity of the appointment of two directors for Cebu City Medical Center.
Delos Santos, chairperson of the city government’s ad hoc committee for CCMC, said the roles of Dr. Gloria Duterte, director for medical services, and lawyer Rey Chris Panugaling, director for administration, used to be handled by just hospital director in the past.
“The way I see it, now it has created confusion,” Delos Santos said, during a recent public hearing on a proposed ordinance to create additional provisions and position in the city health department.
Duterte was the former Chief of Hospital while Panugaling used to head the hospital’s Personnel Services Division.
Councilor Sisinio Andales agreed with Delos Santos. “How could that be? We are confused,” he said.
Councilor Gerardo Carillo said, however, “two heads are better than one.”
Mayor Michael Rama explained earlier it would be hard for Duterte to manage CCMC alone so other responsibilities have to be designated to others.
Delos Santos has asked the Civil Service Commission-7 to shed light on the matter.
CSC, in turn, has advised the council to either raise the concern in writing for appropriate response or elevate it to the courts.
Carillo said the CSC does not have exclusive powers to conduct an investigation without lodging a formal complaint.
“We need to formalize our complaints before CSC so that they can rule in accordance with sub judice matter. CSC cannot disclose their finding unless a formal complaint is lodged,” he said.
City lawyer Jerone Castillo said they still have to check on the items occupied by the CCMC directors.
“I could not tell you with certainty if it’s allowed because there are plantilla positions. We have to check what items they are occupying and what functions they are performing. Possibly gi-appoint in that capacity but item is within the plantilla position,” he said. (FREEMAN)