Antique in Perspective
By Jun Escalona, Antique Bureau Chief

Antique Provincial Guards charged

Antique Provincial Warden Verly Oteda and his six provincial guards (PGs) are currently facing administrative charges before the Office of the Governor. Oteda was charged for dishonesty, misconduct, inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of official duties. While PG 1 Rodolfo Abancio, PG 1 Paquito Luces, PG 1 William Dalisay, PG 1 Enecito Escaner, and PG 1 Abie Metiong were charged for the same offense, and falsification of official documents and neglect of duty.

The charges stemmed from the fact that on or about October 19, 2004, provincial warden Verly Oteda of the Antique Rehabilitation Center unlawfully and with aforethought and heedless neglect in the performance of duty, personally gave permission and express consent to the egress of inmate Allan Ellaga from the ARC, even with full knowledge that such is without the benefit of a valid court order.

Respondent Verly Oteda, likewise, in a letter addressed to Governor Salvacion Z. Perez, consciously and deliberately intended to suppress the true circumstances behind the egress of the ARC without the knowledge of the guards on duty after the 5 o'clock checking on October 21. In truth and in fact he personally knew he gave permission to and personally knew of the egress of inmate Ellaga from the ARC up to the time of the latter's return on October 22, 2004 .

As a consequence, Warden Oteda is meted a 90-day suspension to preclude the possibility of his exerting undue influence or pressure on witnesses, as well as from tampering of any documentary evidence on file in his office. The governor also ordered Provincial Administrator Manuel J. Salazar to effect the suspension on Oteda

The 7 respondents may not avail of legal options to delay the administrative proceedings against them, such as request for clarification, bill of particulars or motion to dismiss, to do away with dilatory tactics. Correspondingly, the respondents and their counsel Atty. Arturo F. Pacificador were furnished copies of the formal charges.

It seems that after his acquittal from charges in the celebrated Evelio Javier case, Atty. Pacificador is now back in circulation, at least now as a practicing lawyer. Who knows, he is also eligible for other concerns.

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The appointment of several prominent Antiqueños to high positions in the administration of President Arroyo drew a Letter of Thanks from Antique Governor Salvacion Z. Perez.

Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, whom the governor considers the pride of Antique, Hon. Waldo Q. Flores, Sr., Deputy Executive Secretary; Hon. Raymundo Roquero as Undersecretary in the Office for Political Coalition Affairs; Atty. Ronald Sofis, Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission; and P/Dir. Robert C. Delfin, Police Director for Intelligence of the PNP. She also thanked the President for the appointment of then AFP Chief Army Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu, as Phil. Envoy to the Middle East . She considers Cimatu an adopted son of Antique, being married to an Antiqueña.

To recall, the President's father, the late President Diosdado Macapagal had also appointed an Antiqueño to his cabinet, the late Calixto O. Zaldivar, as Executive Secretary. This was before the latter became a member of the Supreme Court.

“Suffice it to say, Madame President, that so much pride and honor has been inspired on us Antiqueños by both your administration and that of your father, President Diosdado Macapagal. We will always remember with gratitude all these recognition you gave the Antiqueños” Governor Perez said in part.

She looks upon GMA and her government “with highest esteem” and pledged “constant support” to her administration.