Suplico eyes resolution notifying all offices of vacancy in top posts
Vice Governor Rolex Suplico led the call for official notification on all department heads of the Iloilo Provincial Government regarding the vacancies on top positions here.
While at it, similar notices will be sent out to all government agencies coursed through the regional directors. The notification will be in the form of a Resolution approved during Tuesday's regular session.
"We will just wait for next week's approval of the session's minutes then send out copies of said Resolution. Further still, we will attach the Civil Service Commission (CSC) findings and decisions for reference," Suplico said in a The News Today (TNT) interview yesterday.
Foremost of the Resolution's target is Manuel Mejorada whose service as Provincial Administrator has since been questioned. Mejorada was not re-appointed by Governor Niel Tupas Sr. but continued to stay on the post arguing then that there is no need for such.
With the reelection of Tupas Sr., the governor's camp maintained that Mejorada's employ minus the concurrence of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) is legal and regular.
Suplico in a query with the CSC believed otherwise though.
The commission in a latest letter to Suplico reiterated its stance on the controversial post saying such is vacant. As pointed out by Director Rodolfo Encajonado, "...new appointments must be issued by the Governor to fill up said positions (Provincial Administrator and Provincial Legal Officer) and the same must be concurred in by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Unless these twin requirements are complied with, said positions are considered vacant."
The query was apparently made following the Supreme Court (SC) decision in June 10, 2008 that ruled with finality the issue of residency raised against Manuel Mejorada. As mandated by law, provincial administrators must be a resident of the province being served.
"Moreover, further discussion regarding Mejorada's qualifications in connection with the position of Provincial Administrator is moot and academic in view of the fact that he was not reappointed by Governor Tupas," the CSC letter continued. "The position of Provincial Administrator is classified as primarily confidential and co-terminus with the appointing authority. Considering that the term of office of Governor Tupas expired on June 30, 2008, the appointment of Mejorada being co-terminous with the appointing authority likewise lapsed. Governor Tupas' reelection did not ipso facto renew Mejorada's expired appointment as Provincial Administrator.