Tuesday, August 28, 2007 PB finds Dabu, Velez qualifications deficient By Marna H. Dagumboy
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga Provincial Board (PB) has raised the issue of morality over the qualifications of lawyers Vivian Dabu and Maria Elissa Velez, as it officially denied their confirmation as provincial administrator and provincial legal officer, respectively.
In Resolution 936, the PB finds the qualifications of the two appointees -- Dabu and Velez -- insufficient and therefore considered them disqualified for the positions of provincial administrator and provincial legal officer.
"We conclude that the two appointees cannot work harmoniously with the Provincial Board and other public officers inside and outside the Capitol," the PB stated.
Thus, according to the PB, the qualifications of Dabu and Velez contradict with the Civil Service Law and Rules and Republic Act (RA) 6713, or the Prohibited Acts and Transactions.
In the case of Dabu, her civil status says "single", yet she listed Alec Benjamin as her child born on September 4, 1989, which prompted the PB in raising the issue of morality.
The province's legislative body also questioned Dabu's position at the Dabu and Duque Law Office as managing partner from September 2001 to present, which raised "conflict of interest" as she violated Book V of Executive Order 292 and its Omnibus Rules stating that, "No elective or appointive public officer or employee shall receive additional or double compensation unless specifically authorized by law or accept without the consent of the President, any present, emolument, office or title or any kind from any foreign state."
Under RA 6713 Section 7 or the Prohibited Acts and Transactions paragraph (2), it states that "No elective or appointive public officer or employee shall engage in the private practice of their profession unless authorized by the Constitution or law, provided that such practice will not conflict with their official functions."
Dabu also lacks the five-year experience in management and administration, the PB said.
Velez, on the other hand, did not indicate her civil status but listed the name of Damien Owen Joseph Velez as her child, born last May 9, 2004. The child is reported to be her adopted son, which also prompted the PB to raise the issue on moral grounds.
The PB, after deliberations on the issues concerning the two, alleged that the two appointees did not measure up to certain provisions of RA 6713, Section 4 which deals with the Norms and Conduct of Public Officials and Employees specifically professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality and responsiveness to the public.
The PB also cited attitude problems attributed to Dabu and Velez, when the two chose to leave and not attend the confirmation hearing last August 10.
It also confirmed earlier verbal reports of such "high-handedness" and indifference from different sectors in the Capitol, the community and the media.
Velez, for her part, said it is the prerogative of the PB not to recognize Dabu's functions as provincial administrator and hers as provincial legal officer, saying they will continue to do their appointment of office until the court makes a decision.
