MMDA chief charged for sacking official

MANILA, Philippines - Chairman Francis Tolentino of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is facing another graft case before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly dismissing an official who enjoys security of tenure.

Lawyer Emmanuel De Castro said he was illegally and unjustly removed from his post as assistant general manager for operations a few months after President Aquino assumed office. He was replaced by simply being stricken off the MMDA payroll, he added.

De Castro said Tolentino allegedly replaced him despite full knowledge that the Career Executive Service Board ruled that he has security of tenure.

De Castro said his service vehicle was recalled and assigned “to a mere consultant” of the MMDA, and personnel working under him were “unceremoniously transferred to other units.”

De Castro said Tolentino named Emerson Carlos as officer-in-charge (OIC) and two months later, Aquino appointed Carlos assistant general manager for operations.

“Thereafter, my name was stricken off the payroll of the MMDA. Likewise, I was no longer paid my salaries beginning the month of November 2010 through no fault attributed to me,” he said.

Tolentino reportedly committed graft by designating an OIC – which is contrary to law in this situation – and by allegedly persuading, inducing or influencing the person who supposedly permanently replaced him “to perform an act constituting a violation of rules and regulations,” De Castro said.