Cadungog appeared dismayed but accepted the order and immediately cleared the office of his personal belongings. He refused to give statements to the media.
In an interview, Buac explained that the transfer has nothing to do with politics because he doesn’t owe anything to politicians. He stressed that the revamp is purely a “management decision.”
Buac disclosed that the transfer was done because Cadungog’s talent and energy are very much needed in Toledo City. Also, Toledo City Election Supervisor Federico Sanchez needs to be reassigned.
But the transfer will be temporary and both Cadungog and Castillano will be returned to their old posts after the May 14 elections, Buac added.
Last March 29, during the last day for filing the certificate of candidacy, reporters overheard a prominent candidate telling Cadungog, “You want to go back to Toledo?”
He then told Cadungog that he (the candidate) was the one responsible for Cadungog’s transfer to the provincial office but the election supervisor doesn’t listen to him anymore.
Cadungog refused to comment on this incident yesterday and on the day it took place.
Buac, however, said that Cadungog is not the only person being moved because a revamp is implemented throughout the region.
“There is a 100 percent movement of personnel. Og kada movement naay politiko nga nagpaluyo, di daghan diay kaayo ko’g amo (If every movement is backed by a politician, then this means I have many masters)?” he said.
He explained that as regional director it is his job to see to it that the right persons are put in an area where their talents can be of use.
Earlier, Cadungog questioned Buac’s authority to order his transfer.
Cadungog, in a letter, said that he can be transferred only by virtue of a resolution from the Comelec en banc. An en banc resolution designated Cadungog as acting provincial election supervisor in 2004.
Buac, for his part, clarified that if the Comelec en banc will issue an order for Cadungog to stay in the province, he will honor it.
He said he even advised Cadungog to just leave some of his things at the office because he might be allowed to return.
Castillano, in a separate interview, said that he will continue the work that Cadungog will leave behind.
These include, among others, receiving evidence for petitions filed before their office. (KNT)
