Wednesday, July 18, 2007 Doc demands due process on relief order By Gil Alfredo B. Severino
DESPITE the arrival of the three-man team from the Department of Health (DOH) that took over the management of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod, yet, Dr. Benito Bionat, chief of Clinics, said he won’t vacate his place even if the order is served later.
“I demand for due process,” Bionat told reporters Tuesday.
Though, he said he won’t issue any comment starting Wednesday except for his legal counsel.
Bionat and Bryan Baylon, hospital chief of administration were also considered relieved from their respective post since the new DOH team is already here in Bacolod.
It is clear, however, that the DOH team is composed of persons who are temporarily tasked to make CLLMRH still operational despite the present brouhaha it’s facing.
The three acts as temporarily be the replacements for Drs. Vega, Dr.Bionat and Baylon.
Bionat said the team will be here for a certain number days and that he will go on leave for 45 days “to free the team from any pressure.”
As of to date, reports from sources who requested anonymity confirmed that Bionat received transfer order July 16, 2007 and the same order is requiring him to be at Cebu station supposedly Tuesday, July 17.
Bacolod Diocese Social Action Center (SAC) Director Fr. Aniceto Buenafe and Health Watch coordinator Jack Pamine, assured in an interview Tuesday that the
Ombudsman investigator from Iloilo is also expected to arrive within this week.
SAC-Hospital Watch initiated Ombudsman investigation has “stronger teeth” by virtue of R.A. 6770, Pamine explained.
Likewise, he also explained that R.A. 6770 gives legal powers to the Ombudsman investigator to demand a sworn certification from the accused if resistance to show pertinent papers is manifested.
More importantly, R.A. 6770 gives powers to the Ombudsman Investigator to conduct secret surveillance (incognito) using equipment allowed by law to gather data for case build-up, Pamine said.
