• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A Capitol executive was relieved from his post as the chief of staff of Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson effective July 30.
The relief of Francis Velez brought about by loss of trust and confidence was confirmed on Friday, Aug. 2, by Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr., who is the concurrent officer-in-charge of the Provincial Administrator’s Office.
“He is no longer connected with the provincial government,” Nellas said.
Velez started serving as an executive assistant of Lacson when he was still the vice governor.
Prior to his dismissal, Velez was issued a show-cause order by Nellas, asking him to explain the withdrawal of several pieces of furniture from the Office of the Governor for repair without obtaining prior authorization from Lacson or the head of the procuring entity.
In an issued memorandum order, Nellas said that “additionally, this action was taken without following the procurement process outlined in Republic Act 9184.”
On June 25, Velez issued an obligation request for the labor and materials for the repair, labor and materials needed for the repair of furniture at the Office of the Governor, including four units of long sofa, two units of small sofa, 12 units of visitor’s chairs and four units of executive chair with arms, amounting to P129,200.
This was done without any prior consultation with the governor or without his authority, Nellas said.
He added that based on their comparative research of the prevailing market prices, it was overpriced, and no bidding was held.
He also said that Velez, being a political appointee, can be relieved of his duties due to loss of trust and confidence.
Nellas clarified that Velez was given an opportunity to explain.
“We always observe due process, whenever there are allegations,” he added.
There is no word yet from Lacson on who will replace Velez.
As an executive assistant IV, Velez handled the barangay affairs, served as the administrative head, and signed purchase requests for the Office of the Governor. | GB
