BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Provincial Legal Office has granted the 15-day extension request of former Capitol Human Resource Management Office head, Annabelle Palic, and retired provincial agriculturist Japhet Masculino to answer the charges lodged against them, its head, Alberto Nellas, said yesterday.
Palic was suspended for 60 days without pay, after she was formally charged before the PLO for alleged oppression, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave misconduct, and for being notoriously undesirable, based on the complaints filed against her by the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees.
Masculino, on the other hand, was charged for alleged grave misconduct and dishonesty, in connection with unpaid catering services, worth P1 million, in 2018.
Nellas said Palic has been given three days to submit additional evidences and indicate if she wants a formal investigation hearing, or will submit a position paper.
But Palic submitted a motion for time extension of 15 days, for her to study the allegations against her. “(In the interest of) fair play, we granted her motion, the same also for Atty. Masculinio, who submitted a motion for extension as well,” Nellas said.
“We can expect the answers of Palic by Aug. 28,” he added.
The period for any mode of investigation, whether through a position paper or formal hearing, is covered by her 60-day suspension, Nellas added.
He also said that the investigation on Masculino over the 23 unfinished irrigation projects is still ongoing, despite his optional retirement from the government service on July 1.
Masculino was also issued a show-cause order in connection with two “under specs” grain dryers.*