By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
A SMOKE of “political horror” is thickening at the capitol of Negros Occidental. Gov. Bong Lacson must do some fumigation as soon as possible.What is this smoke?The governor’s trusted men are under fire.
Very recently, Executive Assistant IV Francis Velez was axed. Loss of trust and confidence was cited as reason.
This is quite shocking and absurd, considering that Velez is known to be Gov. Bong’s No. 1 trusted man since the former was vice governor.
Velez, on July 30, exited capitol with a “heavy heart” for having no chance to explain his side over the P129,000 furniture repair brouhaha.
Per Acting Provincial Administrator Alberto Nellas Jr., the repair of furniture at the governor’s office had no approval by the provincial chief executive.
But other than that, were there other grievous matters that made the governor feel bad?
INDEFINITE LEAVE
Then there’s the puzzling case of Executive Assistant IV-cum-Provincial Sports Coordinator Tony Agustin.
Also one of the governor’s fave buddies, he went on an indefinite leave weeks after the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WRAA) Meet in Bacolod City. Why?
Now, many are asking where he is. He hasn’t been seen or heard.
What’s the fuss? Intriguing!
SHOW CAUSE ORDERS
Then there’s the case of Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena. She was issued two show cause orders by Nellas over cash advances and over a pirma (signature) brouhaha.
In the documents presented by Nellas to the media, Decena’s office needs to explain unliquidated cash advances by her office.
Signatures in the payroll of cultural performers in various provincial events are also being questioned, Nellas added.
Decena is known to be within the governor’s orb, among the “chosen few” of the current administration. So why reveal to the media the show cause orders?
Many speculations are milling around but I think only Decena can make a conclusive narrative as to her present status at the capitol.
BIG QUESTION
These strange developments beg the question: Are there people going after the necks of Velez, Agustin and Decena?
It must also be pointed out that prior to these three strange matters, two of the governor’s top men have been ordered suspended for six months (from June to December) – Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II and Executive Assistant II Chery Sheil Valenzuela.
Are there unseen hands silently stirring “political horror” at capitol?/PN
