High Court favors GSO head over reinstatement issue
BACOLOD CITY -- General Services Office (GSO) chief Jerome Solinap confirmed yesterday that he officially received a Resolution by the Supreme Court En Banc denying the petition for review filed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia regarding the legality of his reinstatement as GSO head by the Civil Service Commission.
Solinap said that his case was already resolved by the Court of Appeals but the decision was challenged by the City Government by way of filing a petition for review on certiorari before the Supreme Court.
He said that the SC resolution was issued in his favor so he could now ask for the release of his unpaid representation allowances for almost two years and five months, his salary differentials and other unpaid benefits which he is entitled to enjoy.
Solinap complained that the representation allowance intended for him became depleted because when he was illegally removed from office, the funds was utilized in some other purpose.
He said that he has now a pending communication before the Sangguniang Panglungsod requesting for appropriation ordinance based on an earlier ruling of the Court of Appeals.
"The only available remedy for the petitioner is to ask for reconsideration but it is highly unlikely on their part because the decision was decided by SC en banc," Solinap added.
Solinap was actively serving as General Service Office head when the Local Chief Executive issued a Memorandum for his re-assignment from GSO to the City Mayor's Office to be in-charge of the inventory of all government assets and properties.
Instead of following the order, Solinap filed a complaint before the Civil Service Commission where he got a favorable decision.
Solinap was reinstated by the Local Chief Executive but his benefits was partially restored because of the city's petition for review on certiorari with the SC.