ArchivesOctober 2017Macias is acting Gov

Macias is acting Gov

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Governor Roel Degamo had wanted his Preventive Suspension Order to be delayed to allow him to finish the Buglasan Festival, but it was not to be.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region 7 regional director Atty. Rene Burdeos served the Sandiganbayan order early Wednesday as the provincial Festival of Festivals was underway.

The serving of the Preventive Suspension Order, which was received by assistant provincial administrator Atty. Froilan Joseph Pinili shortly before eight in the morning at the office of the governor, was witnessed by DILG provincial head Dennis Quiñones, Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director Sr. Supt. Edwin Portento and the head of the legal division of DILG-7.

Gov. Edward Mark Macias was then directed by the DILG to assume as Acting Governor and Board Member Mariant Escano Villegas as Acting Vice Governor for a period of 90 days, which is the effectivity of the Preventive Suspension Order.

Pinili reiterated statements issued by Degamo earlier that the preventive suspension is not a penalty but part of the process when an information is filed before the Sandiganbayan or graft court, relative to the P460-million calamity fund.

It was the second time around for both officials to assume the top provincial positions. The first time was in June 2016 when the Ombudsman ordered Degamo’s Dismissal for an administrative case involving the same incident. However, Degamo returned to office after 10 days following the issuance by the Court of Appeals of a Temporary Restraining Order. The Court of Appeals later ordered the reversal of the Ombudsman’s findings.

Macias’ first order of business is to inform everybody in the provincial government, the department heads, local government units and mayors that he has assumed as acting governor starting today.

On Monday, Macias will gather all the department heads and key personnel for a meeting to lay down what he intends to do in the next 90 days. He stressed the importance of continued delivery of basic services in telling them to continue serving in their present capacity.

During the meeting, Macias wanted to be briefed on personnel compliments in every department, their budget, programs and projects, their problems and concerns. In the next 90 days, the acting governor said he wants to help find solutions and not to be adding to the problems of the provincial government.

Macias has confirmed to have met with Gov. Degamo before the shake up happened, saying he wanted a smooth transition, unlike the first that had greatly affected the delivery of basic services.

During the meeting, Macias made known to Degamo his plans but needs the cooperation of everybody. Although the local government code says he can hire, fire and suspend erring personnel, he will do it only when necessary because doing it without reasonable grounds would be very disruptive, Macias said.

As to programs and projects, the acting governor also assured Degamo it will continue as programmed but will be monitoring them in making sure they are implemented to the letter.

The acting governor is also looking into the status of quarry operations in the province, following reports of closure orders that were not implemented but is not privy to such reports unless briefed by the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). He said he will not issue permits unless these concerns are addressed because Macias said he might be adding to the problem.

With regard to the status of job orders, Macias is aware they have contracts that will expire in December in time for the return of the governor in January. He said he will make an inventory of their whereabouts so he can plan out and make the necessary deployments if needed.

The acting governor said if these job orders are really working they wouldn’t have a problem with him.

“Our end will honor our side of the agreement, for as long as they honor theirs,” Macias said, referring to what they have talked about with Gov. Degamo during their meeting before the preventive suspension was served.

Macias thanked Degamo for enjoining employees of the provincial government to support him during his stint as acting governor.

For her part, acting vice governor Villegas said she will provide for the necessary support that the acting governor wants in order to fast track the implementation of projects.

She will continue holding a caucus with Sangguniang Panlalawigan members before the regular sessions so there will smooth discussion of issues and approval of proposed resolutions and ordinances that will redound to the benefit of Negrenses.

Lastly, Macias called on Negrenses to continue celebrating the Buglasan Festival and other activities lined up so the next 90 days will go on without hitches. (Juancho Gallarde/PNA)

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