BACOLOD City – The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) employee recently dismissed over the disappearance of 789 fertilizer bags at the Negros First Rice Processing Center (NFRPC) in Bago City, Negros Occidental decried his axing.
Former OPA Agriculturist 1 Herminigildo Basilio said he would appeal before an “impartial authority.”
According to Basilio, he had thoroughly explained his side supported with documentary evidence, as well as provided names of persons who should have been included in the investigation to uncover the truth.
Basilio said he also provided proof that he was no longer in charge of the NFRPC for more than a year at the time of the fertilizer bags’ disappearance and that he did not have a key to the warehouse.
“For me to be made the scapegoat and dismissed after more than a decade of loyal service to the provincial government is devastating and shows that injustice prevails in the Provincial Capitol,” Basilio said.
Last week, Basilio was dismissed by the provincial government for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and malversation of public funds or property.
Another OPA employee, Agriculturist 1 Joy Cardinal, a contract of service employee, was terminated, too.
Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr., provincial legal officer, said they found enough evidence that the two can be held liable for the disappearance of the fertilizer bags worth P2.3 million.
Basilio has 15 days to file an appeal before the Civil Service Commission. (Watchmen Daily Journal)
