• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has ordered the 60-day preventive suspension of two Provincial Engineer’s Office personnel pending the resolution of administrative charges filed against them.
Engr. Sanny Balinas, head of the Silay Oxygen Plant, and Engr. Rodney Dejilla, a supervisor of the facility, are facing allegations of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in connection with the oxygen plant operations.
Both began serving their preventive suspension on May 14.
In his order, Lacson said the preventive suspension was necessary to ensure the integrity of the investigation, citing the respondents’ “familiarity, authority, and influence” over personnel and records connected to the case.
“It is therefore imperative that the testimonial and documentary evidence as well as the proceeding itself, be protected from whatever form of influence from the respondents to give due course to a fair and impartial investigation and hearing,” the governor said.
Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said the administrative complaints stemmed from the alleged mismanagement of the Silay Oxygen Plant, particularly the reported deterioration and damage of equipment and materials as well as the alleged failure to conduct required preventive maintenance activities.
The allegations were based on the inspections and reports submitted by the General Services Office.
Nellas said the preliminary investigation conducted by the Provincial Legal Office revealed that vouchers had allegedly been processed for preventive maintenance services, but were never carried out.
Physical verification also reportedly showed failures in safeguarding and properly accounting for government property.
Nellas said the Provincial Legal Office is awaiting the reply of Balinas and Dejilla on whether they will opt to appear in a formal hearing or submit a position paper to answer the allegations against them. | GB
