“We are just doing our work. The order of our governor is public service first and that we should not abuse it,” the lawyer said.
Nellas said they would like to put everything in proper perspective of “what is correct is correct.”
“At the end of the day, this is taxpayers’ money. Public office is public trust so we should do what is right,” he added.
“We are acting based on complaints. We are doing the investigation fairly and and based on substantial evidence if there is cause to administratively charge the individuals concerned,” the Provincial Legal Officer explained.
He also assured the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (Pace) that they will treat the 18 Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) personnel fairly after they were issued show cause orders for alleged irregularities and improper behavior.
Nellas said they are still waiting for the answers of the 18 personnel, and that some of the accused have yet to receive their show cause orders which are still being processed by his office because one is assigned out of town, particularly at a hospital in Isabela.
He said once they get the answers from all 18 personnel that’s the only time that they will resolve the issue.
If they find probable cause for disciplinary action, the PDMPD may also undergo reorganization, the official pointed out.
Of the 18 employees, 13 are ambulance drivers that were accused of irregularities with their trip tickets. The other personnel were accused of rude behavior towards their fellow workers and clients.
But Nellas explained that what happened does not mean that the PDMPD is poorly managed by its head, Dr. Zeaphard Caelian.
“Considering that the PDMPD is a huge division, proper policing of the ranks should be imposed,” he said.
On Friday last week, the Pace released a statement asking the Provincial Legal Office for a fair investigation of 18 PDMPD personnel.
The group clarified that while they do not tolerate stubborn employees, they still want due process for the personnel.
The latest incident came in the heels of the suspension of five employees from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) who were each given a 60-day suspension after they committed grave misconduct for engaging in a drinking session while on official travel in Victorias City in July 2022.
Nellas also affirmed that the five OPA personnel’s suspension orders will end this month, and they will be allowed to resume work pending hearing of their case.