BY MAE SINGUAY
BACOLOD City – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has found Mayor Monico Puentevella’s order transferring the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) head to the Local Economic Enterprise (LEE) office irregular.
CSC also upheld its Region 6 office’s decision ordering the city government to release the Representation and Transportation Allowance (RATA) of Mary Jean Ramos during the period of her reassignment until the date preceding her dropping from the rolls (from Aug. 28, 2013 to Feb. 6, 2014).
Ramos was transferred to the LEE on Aug. 28, 2013.
But she contested Memorandum Order No. 052-8-13 mandating her transfer. It was tantamount to a constructive dismissal, she said.
On Sept. 5, 2013, Ramos filed a case against Puentevella before the CSC.
She also claimed her transfer was politically motivated.
Ramos was an appointee of then mayor Evelio Leonardia (now congressman) who is at odds with Puentevella.
Ramos said her CPDO appointment had the concurrence of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
She got a favorable ruling from CSC Region 6 on Jan. 15, 2014 but Puentevella asked the CSC central office for a review.
Just this August 14, the CSC based in Quezon City upheld its regional office’s decision.
The decision was signed by CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III and commissioners Robert Martinez and Nieves Osorio.
Ramos expects Puentevella to file a motion for reconsideration with the CSC but she expressed confidence that it will be denied.
The CSC decision would then become executory. Ramos expects to be reinstated at the CPDO.
Puentevella may seek relief in the Court of Appeals but unless the appellate court issues a temporary restraining order, the CSC decision remains executory, said Atty. Dindo Ramos, husband of Mary Jean.
City Legal Officer Rayfrando Diaz declined to comment. He said he has not yet read the CSC ruling on the case.
Puentevella could not be reached for comment. He is on an official trip to Spain (Aug. 27 to Sept. 5)./PN
