• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Provincial Legal Office denied the motion for reconsideration filed by four Capitol employees who were dismissed from the government service for grave misconduct.
Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr. said the four respondents, namely Engrs. Ramelo Letran, German Abihay, Rezin Palacios and Project Development Assistant Maria Luisa Abaño, all assigned at the Office of the Provincial Agriculture, failed to submit evidence that could materially alter or affect the decision.
Nellas, however said that the respondents have 15 days to appeal the decision before the Civil Service Commission regional office, if they want to avail that course of action.
The case against the dismissed employees stemmed from their use of a 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.
While the four respondents heavily relied on the alleged invitation of the Victorias City Agriculturist, there is nothing that would support the allegations that they would continue the discussion at a nearby restaurant instead of the Victorias City Hall, he added.
Nellas also said that no irregularities were committed in handling of the case, stressing the Hearing Body adhered to pertinent provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 and the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil. Service (RACCS).*
