Another capitol exec under investigation

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Another provincial government executive has been issued a show cause order by the Provincial Legal Office over alleged conflict of interest and unliquidated cash grants.

Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr. confirmed on Monday that a show cause order was issued to Dr. Zephard Gerhart Caelian, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD), in connection with the unliquidated cash grant amounting to P3 million.

Nellas said the order was issued two week ago and Caelian has already submitted a reply.

“The case is still in its infancy stage and we are investigating the case,” he further said.

The grant was released to Amity Public Safety Academy in 2017 to conduct training and purchase of equipment, Nellas added.

Nellas said Caelian one of the directors of the organization simultaneously as PDMPD head of the provincial government.

He clarified that this is not yet an administrative case so Caelian is still reporting as PDMPD head.

“This is just an opportunity for him to show that there is no need to file an administrative charge against him. After conducting a preliminary investigation we will determine if there is substantial evidence. We will issue a formal charge and recommend suspension of the concerned employee,” he added.

Nellas said Caelian denied the allegations.

When asked for comment, Caelian told capitol reporters that he is not yet ready to issue a statement.