Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson signed an order on Monday denying the motion for reconsideration filed by lawyer Anabelle Palic, the former head of the Provincial Human Resource Department.*Richard Malihan file photo
Three employees of the Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) who were under investigation for allegedly soliciting payments to expedite permit releases have resigned.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed on Tuesday, July 15, that he accepted their resignations on Monday, which will take effect in August.
“All I can say is that they were ‘sorry’ for what happened,” Lacson said, declining to elaborate on the contents of their resignation letters.
He added that the investigation into the complaints against them would not proceed following their resignation.
The Provincial Legal Office had previously issued a show-cause order to the three employees, requiring them to explain a complaint sent to the Provincial Administrator’s Office.
The complaint alleged that the employees demanded payment to hasten the release of African Swine Fever “Recognition of Active Surveillance” documents.
PALIC MR DENIED
Lacson said he also signed an order on Monday, denying the motion for reconsideration filed by lawyer Anabelle Palic, the former head of the Provincial Human Resource Department.
The governor dismissed Palic from service in a June 13 order, which found her liable, based on substantial evidence, for “oppression, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave misconduct, and being notoriously undesirable.”
The dismissal stemmed from a July 6, 2021, complaint filed by the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees, alleging that Palic exhibited a “tyrannical attitude and inhumane treatment toward government employees.”
Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said that Palic can still file an appeal with the Civil Service Commission.*