Capitol employee cries harassment
Sumbing
When it rains, it really pours. At least for a veteran employee of the Capitol who marks her 26th year of service in the Iloilo Provincial Government.
Now head of the Information Office and proud mother of five, Marilou Sumbing is 'under attack' from fellow office chiefs, both personally and professionally.
And if only to officially air her sentiments and seek solace, Sumbing wrote Vice Governor Rolex Suplico with copies furnished to all members of the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP). The four-paged letter formed part today's agenda of the regular session with the SP body set to hear Sumbing's grievances in its entirety.
Sumbing began by stating how she decided to "respectfully air" her side while stating her objections on the planned abolition of the Information Office.
She also lengthily disclosed unfortunate office encounters particularly with Provincial Treasurer Melba Sullivan including that one where she was reportedly told she will never be promoted. The reason? She brings her 3 year-old son to work and just have "too many" children. Sullivan's statement caused another longtime Capitol employee to remark, "ang bana gani ni Maam Melba pirmi man sa opisina niya kag gasakay sa salakyan sang Capitol (but even Maam Melba's husband is also in her office and even rides in the Capitol's car)."
Sumbing in her letter went on to pose questions before the SP body such as if it is legal to take away the budget of an office and be absorbed by another office. Questions too on whether it is legal to transfer a unit to the Office of the Provincial Administrator. Yet more queries on whether it is legal as well for her to be transferred to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) "even if I am not an environment officer and wanting of technical expertise but that of an information officer."
"Is it legal for the budget and office to be abolished without right procedure?,"Sumbing further asked as she went on to pose an appeal, "What can this august body to do to help employees who have been oppressed?"
The News Today (TNT) learned that a probe will be pushed on the abolition issue with the Information Office not the only office target of the controversial plan. Capitol insiders said "it is just a matter of time" for a new department to be created that will merge the Information Office, the Community Affairs Office, the Tourism Office and the Management Information System. If plans push through as designed, equally controversial Capitol executive, Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada, top governor's aide will reportedly serve as department chief.
Meantime, today's session is another first in the history of the Iloilo SP with a total of 38 pages in the agenda. With 40 committee reports up for approval, 35 are from the Appropriations Committee chaired by Vice Governor Suplico making it the "longest session" on record. As such, pending annual budgets and supplemental budgets from Iloilo towns will finally see resolution after months in the bin.