FOR alleged conflict of interest and unliquidated cash grant amounting to P3 million, a division head at the Negros Occidental provincial government was issued a show cause order.

Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas, Jr. confirmed yesterday, December 5, that Zeaphard Gerhard Caelian, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) was issued with the show cause order on November 3.

Nellas said Caelian who already submitted his answer has denied the allegation that reportedly transpired in 2017.

"We are still investigating the case which transpired (and) we requested for the documents (needed) which was sent by the Securities and Exchange Commission just sent,” Nellas said.

He explained that they are still in their preliminary stage and are yet to determine if there is a need to file formal charge or whether there are substantial evidences that may warrant a preventive suspension.

Based on the Investigation Report the case against Caelian is stemmed from the Unliquidated Financial Assistance for Negros First Emergency Response Team (NERT) Amounting to P3 million, donated to Amity Public Safety Academy, Incorporated.

Caelian is said to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Amity Public Safety Academy, Inc. (Apsa) aside from being the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer (PDRRMO) of Negros Occidental.

With this, he directly or indirectly receiving or benefiting from the APSA, in the guise of Salary and Allowances as one of its Board of Directors while simultaneously receiving or benefiting from the provincial government, in the guise of Salary and Allowances as its PDRRMO, the complaint showed.

Given the foregoing facts, you Caelian was required to explain in writing, comment or submit a counter-affidavit under oath within five days from receipt of the complaint why no criminal, civil and administrative cases will be filed against him.

His failure to submit the explanation/comment or counter-affidavit shall be considered a waiver thereof and the preliminary investigation may be completed even without his explanation/comment or counter-affidavit pursuant to Rule 4, Section 19, of the 2017 Rules on Administrative Procedures, Nellas stressed.

Caelian refused to give his reaction when reached by SunStar-Bacolod.