Friday, January 05, 2007 Seares: Oliva’s folly By Pachico A. Seares News Sense
MAYBE it was due to the bullying he took from Mayor Tomas Osmeña. Cebu City public schools chief Leonilo Oliva must have thought he could keep some dignity by challenging the order moving him to Lapu-Lapu.
There's a technical basis. He's an appointee of the President and order for his transfer didn't come from the Palace.
Oliva has been with Government for more than two decades. He should know better.
Cabinet Secretary Jesli Lapus will be backed by President Glo, now that it's in court. She protects the Queen's boys and girls and feeds any one of them to the wolves only when required to save herself. No order from the President? By this time, paperwork must already be done.
Breaking limb
Oliva is clinging to a limb that breaks sooner than later. There have been similar annoying standoffs when regional officials tried to resist but gave up when they sensed they couldn't fight power or its source.
Holing in a government post over which there's no torrens title is hopeless folly. And more. It shreds what dignity is left because the official is now seen as "unprofessional." Crippling fate for bureaucrats like Oliva who toiled for years to earn and protect their work and good name.
Oliva didn't offend DepEd. Maybe he was overstaying, but you and I know the real reason he's being kicked out.
Oliva pricked someone's pride. And he didn't kiss ass efficiently, a sin in government.
