DILG to probe employee’s complaint vs mayor

THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will conduct preliminary conference and formal investigation starting today, Monday, relative to the administrative complaint filed by Bacolod City employee Ma. Teresa Lozada against Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia.

DILG Director II Jesus Z. Doque IV has informed Lozada that the investigation will start Monday and will continue until July 19.

Lozada has been told to bring her counsel, witnesses and documentary evidence, as postponement of the investigation will not be entertained.

Lozada accused Leonardia of being oppressive, fallacious and deceptive in his issuance of the detail/transfer order, which she alleged was motivated by anger, hatred and resentment without justifiable cause and with malice aforethought.

She said Leonardia’s order put her good name and reputation into public contempt, shame and ridicule.

From her permanent position as Clerk II of the City Population Office, she was transferred to the General Services Office and then to Handumanan Public Cemetery as a common graveyard laborer effective February 4, 2011.

She said that such transfer order is illegal and contrary to law, as it caused diminution of rank and status from a permanent government employee protected by the tenure of office, in contravention with Civil Service laws, rules and regulations.

Lozada alleged that her reassignment to a public cemetery hinges only upon the whim and caprices of the mayor. She said it was calculated to humiliate, debase and lower or offend her pride, dignity and self-respect and to force her to resign from the service.

The only reason she thought of that could have pushed the mayor to reassign her was her appeal to the mayor for the release of the productivity enhancement incentive last December 14, 2010, on the request of her coworkers in the city. (Carla N. Canet)