An executive assistant of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has been “relieved of his duties brought about by loss of trust and confidence”, Acting Provincial Administrator Alberto Nellas Jr. confirmed on Friday, August 2.
Relieved effective July 30 was Executive Assistant IV Francis Velez who handled barangay affairs and signed purchase requests at the governor’s office.
Velez basically was the administrative head at the governor’s office, Nellas said.
Velez had earlier been issued a show cause order to explain why he withdrew furniture, which included chairs and sofas, from the Office of the Governor for repair without obtaining prior authorization from the governor.
The purchase request was issued without the prior authorization of the governor for repairs of the furniture amounting to P129,200, Nellas said last month.
“No bidding was conducted and it was overpriced based on our comparative research on the prevailing market price”, he added.
“”It is a privilege afforded to the governor to relieve his political appointees whenever there is loss of trust and confidence,” Nellas said.
Velez, who is no longer connected with the Capitol, had been afforded the opportunity to explain himself, Nellas added.
They did not proceed to an administrative investigation since Velez as a political appointee could be directly relieved of his duties, Nellas said.
Nellas said there was no word yet on who would replace Velez.
“I will not comment on the case of Mr.Velez,” the governor said on Friday.
Velez, who was reached by the media earlier, refused to comment on the complaint against him.*