THE vice mayor of Cagayan de Oro City hit a city councilor for allegedly in appointing his job order staffs.
Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Rainier Joaquin Uy on Monday, April 17, vented his displeasure towards City Councilor Lordan Suan for proposing to appoint his sister and brother, among others as his staff, and for accusing Uy of not paying his two existing staff for two months this year.
The conflict stems from a complaint filed by Suan before the Department of Interior and Local Government questioning Uy's conduct and ethical standards for public employees, and grave abuse of authority, oppression, and grave misconduct.
One of the complaint affidavits submitted by Suan's staff identified as Eric Alcantara said he personally visited Uy's office, together with another staff Gregor Alfonsin Pondoyo to follow-up their appointments, but to their dismay, they were only told they were “sandwiched by politics” and should request for a salary from Suan.
But Uy said it's his discretion, as vice mayor, whether he would approve the job order proposals, but clarified that it is not under his power to decide when to release their salary.
He also said the two staff do not have attendance records.
He said he has to reject another batch of job order staff proposal from Suan on the basis of nepotism.
Among the job order employees proposed by Suan are Eriberto Gualberto Jr., Annaliza Mae Diaz, Clrissa Mae Suan, Agapito Suan Jr., Henry Rago, Josephine Padios, Agaito Eriberto Suan, and Ramon Gualberto.
"They accused me about not paying the salary of the job order employees, but this is not in my power. Also, how can you expect me to sign your proposal when they do not have attendance based on the records from September to December, and among the staff are his sisters or brothers, it is a violation of the law," he said.
"For the one who complained, you can expect nothing from my office," he said.
Out of anger, Uy broke the gavel after his speech delivered.
For his part, Suan said he respects the vice mayor's function but how he exercises it is wrong, oppressive, and biased.
Suan questioned why it is only the minority members of the council whose request for job order is still pending.
"I went to the vice mayor's office too hoping that it would get approved, but he told me he cannot approve it because it is the mayor's order," he said.
"My staff are honestly working for me and it's unfair that they get nothing out of it. Contrary to his claims, my staffs have complete attendance, because I sign their attendance myself," he added.
Suan also said it is legal to hire his relatives as his staff, given they are performing confidential functions.
"I am a lawyer, I know what I am doing. But this is not the main issue, he only showed this to cover up his mistakes in practicing his functions," Suan said.
