THE Investigating Attorney will start presenting its witnesses Tuesday during the resumption of the hearing of the administrative case against provincial accountant Merly Fortu.
The case for Grave Misconduct and Grave Insubordination was filed by Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez.
Lawyer Ariel Cuaycong of the Provincial Legal Office said that the witnesses for the complainant include Provincial Board Members Patrick Lacson, Nehemias dela Cruz, Manuel Frederick Ko and Emilio Yulo III, and Provincial Budget Officer Percival Salado Jr.
These officials were present during the meeting at the Governor's Office where the case of Fortu emanated after she allegedly raised her voice when asked about the delayed processing of payments and other documents at her office.
But in today's hearing, Cuaycong said that only Salado could be presented and be subjected to cross examination because the members of the Provincial Board are scheduled for an official travel in Manila Tuesday.
"They will still be subjected to a cross examination in the next hearings", Cuaycong said regarding the provincial board members who will testify against Fortu.
Fortu, on the other hand, is also scheduled to present her witnesses.
Cuaycong stated that the proceedings will be conducted behind to protect the respondent, Fortu, from "trial by publicity." "She may use that against us", he said.
Fortu, through her lawyer Edmundo Manlapao, earlier filed a motion for Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. to inhibit himself from the case. She also insisted that the complaint against her should instead be heard by the Civil Service Commission.
But Marañon replied that the case would proceed and it will be heard by the Prosecuting Attorney which he created through an Executive Order.
Atty. Jona Villanueva-Rubica was designated as the hearing officer and Cuaycong as the Investigating officer. They will handle all the administrative cases against the capitol officials and employees, under Executive Order 10-0008.