Tupas: Suplico's speech can't remove Mejorada, Cabaluna from office
Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada and Provincial Legal Office chief Atty. Salvador Cabaluna still enjoy the trust and confidence of Governor Niel Tupas Sr. despite the explosive disclosure of Vice Gov. Rolex Suplico the other day that the positions held by the two officials are deemed vacant by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
Tupas in an interview yesterday said Suplico's disclosure does not in any way affect the functions of Mejorada and Cabaluna in the Capitol.
"That was only an opinion from the Civil Service Commission, everybody has his own interpretation. On our part we also believe that we are right," Tupas said in defense of his two top aides.
Tupas stressed that a mere privilege speech from the vice governor cannot remove Mejorada and Cabaluna from office.
"He should file a case in court and we will see," the governor said.
Suplico in a privilege speech in last Tuesday's regular session disclosed that as per his inquiry with the CSC the latter categorically told him that the Province of Iloilo has no Provincial Administrator and no Provincial Legal officer to speak of.
Suplico dwelt on the explanation of CSC Director III Raymund Gonzales which says that "new appointments must be issued by the Governor to fill up said positions and the same must be concurred in by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan."
The Commission further added that unless the twin requirements are complied with, "said positions are considered vacant. It is settled that the concurrence or confirmation of the local sanggunian is part and parcel of the appointment process and the absence thereof renders the appointment incomplete."
"Mr. Mejorada and Atty. Cabaluna are undoubtedly discharging the powers of the Provincial Administrator and Provincial Legal Officer, respectively. Both are members of the Bids and Awards Committee. Both continue to receive their salaries since July 1, 2007. Mr. Mejorada meets with Department Heads every Monday and sits as representative of the Office of the Governor in the Budget Hearing Committee. After the Governor, he is the Capitol’s second most powerful man," Suplico in his speech said.
Mejorada in an interview with Aksyon Radyo Iloilo challenged Suplico to bring the matter to court to prove his claim.
He said there are various contending opinions on the issue so it would be better to let the courts decide, Mejorada said.
Mejorada maintained that being co-terminus employees there is no need for the governor to re-appoint them.
"As long as we have the trust and confidence of the governor, the appointing authority, we will continue to serve our people," Mejorada added.
Mejorada further said that Suplico is doing a mockery of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. "He uses the august halls of the SP to get back at his political opponents, he's just wasting people's money," Mejorada said.
"We will not dignify his pronouncements. We can devote our time to other better things to do," Mejorada ended.
Cabaluna, on the other hand, laughed off Suplico's expose at the SP session. He likewise challenged the vice governor to bring the case to court.