• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The time appears to be running out for the Capitol employees dismissed from the service for grave misconduct, as they have until tomorrow to avail of remedies, in connection with the termination of their employment.
Engrs. Ramelo Letran, German Abihay, Rezin Palacios and Project Development Assistant Maria Luisa Abaño were found guilty of grave misconduct, according to a 12-page decision approved by Gov. Eugenio Lacson dated January 3.
Nellas disclosed that the four employees of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture have 15 days, which will end on Jan. 19, to appeal their dismissal from the government service before the Civil Service Commission, or file a motion for reconsideration before the disciplining authorities, who in this case is Gov. Lacson.
“After 15 days, if wala ma avail ang appeal, ma final ang decision of their termination (if they don’t appeal, their termination will be final),” Nellas said.
The case against the dismissed employees stemmed from the use of their service vehicle beyond the travel order issued to them, on July 15 last year.
Nellas said the employees had a drinking session at a seafood restaurant in Victorias City beyond office hours, violating the issued travel authority. The four also engaged the services of provincial capitol driver Lemuel Gravino.
With regard to the case of another OPA employee, Engr. Jimbo Garsula, who is also facing similar complaints, among others, Nellas said that the prosecution team is still presenting the case against him, since he availed of an administrative hearing.
He added that Garsola is still an active employee of the provincial government.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said he is hoping that the dismissal of four Capitol employees will send a strong message to others against committing abuses.
The PLO is also investigating a complaint against a Capitol division head and four others for similar offenses.*
