• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has ordered the 60-day preventive suspension of two officials from the Provincial Engineer’s Office, pending the resolution of administrative charges filed against them.
Engineers Sanny Balinas and Rodney Dejilla are facing allegations of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, in connection with the operations of the Silay Oxygen Plant.
In his order, Lacson said the preventive suspension was necessary to ensure the integrity of the investigation, citing the respondents’ “familiarity, authority, and influence” over personnel and records connected to the case.
“It is therefore imperative that the testimonial and documentary evidence, as well as the proceeding itself, be protected from whatever form of influence from the respondents, to give due course to a fair and impartial investigation and hearing,” the governor stated.
Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas said the administrative complaints stemmed from the alleged mismanagement of the Silay Oxygen Plant, particularly the reported deterioration and damage of equipment and materials, as well as the alleged failure to conduct required preventive maintenance activities.
The allegations were based on inspections and reports submitted by the General Services Office.
Nellas added that preliminary investigations conducted by the Provincial Legal Office revealed that vouchers had allegedly been processed for preventive maintenance services that were never carried out.
Physical verification also reportedly showed failures in safeguarding and properly accounting for government property.
Balinas, former head of the Silay Oxygen Plant, and Dejilla, a former supervisor of the facility, began serving their preventive suspension on May 14.
Nellas said the Provincial Legal Office is now awaiting the reply of Balinas and Dejilla on whether they will opt to appear in a formal hearing, or submit a position paper to respond to the allegations against them.*
