The Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) board has passed a resolution in full support of Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz.
“The Board of Directors heartily expresses constant and full support to the leadership of the Provincial Administrator, Atty. Diaz,” said the resolution, a copy of which was furnished the media on Monday, Sept. 16.
The resolution signed by PACE chairman Randy Peacita also expressed “heartfelt gratitude” to the Office of Ombudsman for acting in favor of Diaz and Executive Assistant II Chery Sheil Valenzuela.
The Ombudsman in a recent order reduced the suspension of Diaz and Valenzuela, provincial Bids and Awards committee head, from six to one month, which in effect will allow them to return to work.
Diaz and Valenzuela started serving their suspensions on June 8, so their one month suspension should have ended in July.
Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said they are waiting for the order of the Department of the Interior and Local Government on the reinstatement of Diaz.
The Ombudsman also dismissed the administrative charges against Diaz and Valenzuela for Serious Dishonesty, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, Grave Abuse of Authority, Grave Misconduct, Gross Neglect of Duty and Oppression for lack of merit.
Diaz and Valenzuela were suspended for the private practice of law in “conflict” with their jobs at the provincial government, a charge both have denied.*