Monday, February 12, 2007 Cordi lawmakers oppose public works exec's 'relief'
Cordillera congressmen objected to the replacement of Public Works Regional Director Mariano Alquiza.
In a letter to acting Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Representatives Mauricio Domogan of Baguio, Victor Dominguez of Mountain Province, Solomon Chungalao of Ifugao, Elias Bulut Jr. of Apayao and Samuel Dangwa of Benguet said they were not consulted with the "replacement" of Alquiza by Engineer Jerome dela Rosa, assistant regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-National Capital Region.
The lawmakers said the move is unwarranted as there is a possibility that some pending projects here might not be implemented because of the election ban.
"The same is being done without at least the courtesy of informing us," they added.
The legislators also said there is no reason to replace Alquiza "because he has been performing well."
In a separate letter to Bonoan, Dominguez pointed out that Alquiza's replacement "is in violation of Executive Order (EO) 220 creating the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)."
Dominguez said EO 220 mandates that in the appointment or promotion of the heads of government agencies, qualified Cordillerans shall be given preference.
Alquiza assumed as regional director in September 2002 following the dismissal of Engineer Antonio Purugganan. (RO)
