The Board of Directors of the Bacolod City Water District yesterday defended their decision to declare the 60 employees and their positions as redundant, saying it is legal and supported by the opinion of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.
“We have legal basis in declaring them redundant,” Board chairman Lorendo Dilag said in a press conference held at O Hotel.
The embattled employees and their positions were declared redundant on the last working hour of Dec. 31, 2020 as stated in Resolution No. 172 approved by the BOD on Dec. 23, 2020.
Dilag said the same workers were earlier given the option to reapply with the Villar-owned Prime Water Infrastructure Corp., the joint venture partner of Baciwa, which took over the firm’s management and operations in November last year, or apply for early retire incentive program.
They, however, refused to do either, declaring that they want to remain as Baciwa employees.
The 60 employees chose not to avail of the offer to be “absorbed” by PrimeWater, Dilag said.
He added that the BOD will answer related issues before the proper venue if those affected wish to bring the matter to court.
Under the reorganization, Baciwa can no longer retain them as their functions are no longer needed by the water district since these fall under management and operations.
Director Mona Dia Jardin, board secretary, said that with the joint venture taking effect, Baciwa’s role now only covers the monitoring of PrimeWater’s compliance with the agreement.
For this, Baciwa only needs only 23 monitoring personnel.
Jardin said as government employees, the 60 employees will receive their separation pay and terminal leave claims.
“These employees, if entitled thereto, shall be paid the appropriate separation pay and retirement, and other benefits under existing laws provided that the application for clearance has been filed by said employees,” Resolution No. 172 also stated.
Engr. Michael Soliva, acting general manager, said that since the employees have been officially separated from the water utility firm, they can only go to the Baciwa office to turn over their accountabilities and process their clearances, but not to report for work.
Only five of them per day will be allowed entry, Soliva added. – MML
