Cebu Mayor Jonas Cortes | PHOTO: Official Fb web page of Jonas Cortes
CEBU CITY — The Workplace of the Ombudsman has discovered the mayor of Mandaue Metropolis, Cebu responsible of the “irregular designation” of an officer-in-charge of the Metropolis Social Welfare Providers (CSWS) in 2022.
Mayor Jonas Cortes was ordered suspended for one yr with out pay for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to one of the best curiosity of the service.
Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, an ally of Cortes, is ready to imagine the put up of appearing mayor all through the period of the suspension.
The anti-graft workplace, in its ruling dated Aug. 12, mentioned that the appointment of Camilo Basaca as officer answerable for the CSWS didn’t comply with the authorized course of.
“Within the on the spot case, the designation of Basaca as officer answerable for CSWS was extremely irregular and violated pertinent civil service guidelines and rules and different relevant legal guidelines,” it mentioned.
The Ombudsman, nonetheless, mentioned that the acts of Cortes didn’t contain any type of corruption, therefore a penalty of suspension for one yr is sufficient.
“The Workplace notes that there was neither allegation nor was it discovered that the irregular designation of Basaca was attended with components of corruption. Accordingly, Jonas Cortes is meted the penalty of suspension from the service for one yr with out pay,” it mentioned.
The case stemmed from a criticism filed by three people in opposition to Cortes earlier than the Ombudsman over the appointment of Basaca because the officer answerable for the CSWS.
The complainants declare that the designation of Basaca violates Part 483 of Republic Act No. 7160 in any other case often known as the “Native Authorities Code,” which enumerates the {qualifications} of the social welfare improvement officer (SWDO).
They mentioned Cortes intentionally refused to nominate a certified SWDO as a result of he had not opened the place even when the identical put up had been vacant for nearly a yr.
The complainants additionally insisted that Basaca doesn’t possess the required eligibility and {qualifications} for the place of SWDO as he isn’t a licensed social employee and has not acquired expertise within the apply of social work for at the least 5 years as mandated by the legislation.
Cortes, in a press release, mentioned the Ombudsman’s choice is a “matter of deep concern.”
His choice to designate Basaca was rooted in a dedication to boost the providers of the CSWS.
“His intensive expertise and unwavering dedication was seen as very important to our mission of serving the individuals of Mandaue. Each choice I make is grounded in what’s going to greatest serve our group, and this was no exception,” Cortes mentioned.
“We are going to pursue all authorized avenues out there to contest this choice, guaranteeing that our dedication to service stays sturdy and unbroken. Relaxation assured, we won’t waver,” he added.
Lawyer Jamaal James Calipayan, Mandaue Metropolis Administrator, acquired the suspension order from the anti-graft workplace at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, since Cortes was in Manila.
Calipayan, in a press convention, talked about they’d attraction the choice of the anti-graft workplace, particularly the size of the suspension imposed in opposition to the mayor.
He mentioned the suspension of Cortes mustn’t take impact instantly and that the mayor ought to proceed serving the general public till the suspension order is enforced.
Calipayan mentioned the Ombudsman didn’t point out any problem of corruption within the ruling and that the mayor believed that the appointment of Basaca was helpful to the bulk and that no metropolis residents have been affected by it.
“Within the choice, there isn’t a problem of corruption. No public funds have been mishandled. The mayor’s act of designating Basaca has helped many,” mentioned Calipayan.
Calipayan mentioned they have been shocked as a result of they didn’t have information in regards to the background of the complainants.
“We don’t know who these people are. I used to be advised by Camilo (Basaca) that he met them (complainants) throughout the clarificatory hearings on the Ombudsman. [And according to him,] he didn’t know who the complainants have been,” he mentioned.
Basaca’s contract as appearing head of CSWS in Mandaue ended final month.
Calipayan admitted that Cortes was saddened by the suspension order, particularly since it might stop him from serving the general public for a yr.
Regardless of the event, Calipayan mentioned they are going to proceed to implement the packages and tasks of Cortes.
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