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[av_heading heading=’Nothing new in junked Sucaldito appeal ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. found nothing new in the motion for reconsideration that Soledad Sucaldito filed against the recommendation to dismiss her from government service, so he denied it.
An investigating team at the provincial capitol found Sucaldito, former chief of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), guilty of gross negligence and grave misconduct.
“According to the governor, Sucaldito failed to present new evidence or argument that would warrant the reversal of the findings,” Atty. Dennis Ventilacion, Provincial Legal Office chief, said in Hiligaynon.
In her motion, Sucaldito claimed she was deprived of due process.
The governor was not remiss in giving her due process, Ventilacion stressed.
“She was represented by an attorney during the formal investigation. She was given the chance to cross-examine witnesses – including, as a matter of fact, those testifying against her,” said Ventilacion.
Sucaldito was formally informed about the denial of her motion on July 20.
She may still appeal her case before the Civil Service Commission within 15 days, Ventilacion clarified. In the meantime, the former PENRO chief may not report to the capitol or receive any salary.
Quarry permitees filed complaints against Sucaldito in 2015, prompting Defensor to order a fact-finding investigation.
Two quarry permittees – Aires Octaviano and Ireneo Grabato – accused Sucaldito of refusing to issue them with delivery receipts. This adversely affected their operation in Alimodian town, they claimed.
Former quarry permittee Genghis Ferrer also accused Sucaldito of receiving bribe.
The fact-finding investigation led to a formal investigation middle of last year after Sucaldito was formally charged.
A total of six administrative complaints were filed against her.
The investigating committee recommended her dismissal from service for Administrative Case No. 2016-002 and Administrative Case No. 2016-005.
Sucaldito was also found guilty of simple negligence (Administrative Case No. 2016-003) with a penalty of three months and one day suspension.
She was found not guilty in the rest of the complaints./PN
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