Admin case over hiring, Dumanjug vice mayor sues mayor

CEBU, Philippines - Dumanjug Vice Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica has filed an administrative case against the town's mayor, Nelson Garcia, who allegedly appointed a secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), a power supposedly under the vice mayor.

The complaint stemmed from Garcia's memorandum designating Emmylou Cabonilas to take over in acting capacity the post that was left by Victor Tan Jr, who resigned last June 26.

Gica convened the Personnel Selection Board on August 29, 2013 upon the advice of the Civil Service Commission. This took place without the presence of acting Human Resource and Management Officer Rodolfo Fernandez and employee, Luzviminda Melegrito, who did not show up allegedly upon the instructions of Garcia.

On September 5, 2013, Gica appointed Nerio Aquino as SB secretary who assumed office on September 10, 2013.

However, Gica said that Aquino was not able to fully discharge his functions as SB secretary since Cabonilas allegedly refused to turn-over the key, also reportedly upon the instructions of Garcia.

When Aquino was not allowed to enter his office the next day, this prompted him to file for a police blotter.

Gica alleged Garcia of committing grave abuse of authority for usurping the appointing power of the vice mayor, obstructing the due exercise by the vice mayor of the power to appoint all officials and employees of the SB, and hampering the performance by the duly appointed SB secretary.

Garcia denied the allegations saying that he was just designating the SB secretary.

Garcia told The Freeman that the SB has no appropriation where to charge the salary of the appointed SB secretary of Gica.

As rule of procedure, the PB is set to refer the matter to the committee on complaints and investigation chaired by Board Member Joven Mondigo, Jr.

Gica also told The Freeman that he will be filing the criminal complaint against Garcia at the Office of the Ombudsman soon. –(FREEMAN)