Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Sabio returns to office
PRESIDENTIAL Commission on Good Government (PCGG) chairman Camilo Sabio is back at the helm of the commission almost a month after filing an "indefinite leave of absence".
This, amid the controversy generated by the case between the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Lopez-owned utility firm, Manila Electric Company (Meralco).
Sabio claimed he has Malacañang's approval for his return.
Speaking before the assembled PCGG employees during Monday's flag-rising ceremony held at the commission's third floor building in Mandaluyong City, he said he is assuming his post as he decided to cut short his voluntary leave of absence.
The official earlier filed an indefinite leave last month claiming he wanted to prepare for the disbarment proceeding filed against him before the Supreme Court (SC) in connection with his alleged role in the GSIS-Meralco mess.
Sabio's brother, Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Jose Sabio Jr. was reprimanded by the Supreme Court (SC) for his involvement in the GSIS-Meralco controversy.
Sabio told the employees that Malacañang was fully informed of his decision to reassume his post, adding that he sent a letter to the Palace dated October 31 informing the President of his decision to return to work.
He added that Press Secretary Jesus Dureza also called him and assured him that there is no problem with his decision.
Sabio also cited Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita's reply to reporters query on his return during a Malacañang briefing wherein the latter said: "the Palace saw no problem with Sabio's return."
"He filed an indefinite leave of absence but he was not fired or relieved of his post. So there should be no problem if he has returned already," Ermita said.
Likewise, Sabio said he also informed the Department of Justice (DOJ) by sending a copy of his letter, which was received by DOJ Officer-in charge (OIC) Justice Undersecretary Ernesto Pineda.
Last year, Arroyo, through an Executive Order, placed PCGG under the direct supervision of the DOJ with the objective to hasten the resolution of hundreds of pending ill-gotten wealth cases of the Marcoses here and abroad.
Sabio, after thanking the employees who welcomed him back, expressed belief that there should be no controversy to his return and enjoined them to just continue working for the good of the PCGG.
"Let us continue the job that we have started here. Let us not be affected by any controversies," the PCGG chair said to the employees.
Asked what will happen to Commissioner Narciso Nario, who was designated as OIC, Sabio said the designation was deemed revoke with his return.
Sabio said Arroyo designated Nario as OIC through his recommendation.
After the flag-rising ceremony and a brief interview with reporters, Sabio left claiming he had to attend to another meeting.
He, however, assured that he will preside Monday's en banc meeting.
Informed of Sabio decision to preside the en banc meeting, Nario, a former Justice of the Sandiganbayan, said he will not attend the meeting unless he receives an order from Malacañang or DOJ, either verbal or written.
"I am ready to relinquish his designation as OIC of PCGG but it should be done through proper and official communication," Nario said.
Earlier, PCGG employees were surprised last Friday when Sabio suddenly reported for work and told them he will be reassuming his post. (AH/Sunnex)
