Immigrant councilor did not violate law, says DILG
Drilon-Garcia
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) made clear that Councilor Merci Drilon-Garcia did not violate any law when she left the country before her term of office as city councilor ends on June 30, 2007.
DILG 6 Legal Officer Atty. Ferdinand Panes said Garcia's leave of absence is in accordance with the law. It is not in any way in conflict with the Local Government Code. As government officials, they are entitled for leave credits.
Garcia along with her husband Barangay Capt. Gilbert Garcia migrated to Canada. She went on leave last March 29, 2007 and left her office to newly elected Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog. Her first notice of leave was dated March 29 to May 11, 2007. A copy of her leave of absence was provided to Vice Mayor Guillermo de la Llana.
On May 4, 2007, Garcia again filed another notice for leave of absence from May 12 to June 30, 2007. She extended her leave of absence and authorized Mabilog to continue of taking care of her office and same time transact business in her behalf.
Garcia can still receive her remaining salaries and whatever monetary benefits accorded to a city councilor since her leave of absence is legal and within the bounds of the law, said Panes.
Panes said the leave of absence availed by Garcia is also in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission.
The DILG's legal explanation was in wake of several questions that cropped up at the city council after Garcia's presence could not be seen at the Sangguniang Panlungsod and during sessions. Her leave came even before the campaign for local candidates started.