Capitol workers violate Biron Law

By: Gerome Dalipe

THE Iloilo Provincial Government revised its Citizen’s Charter in June this year to enhance the delivery of government services at the Capitol.

But several Capitol employees are seemed unmindful of such effort by the Provincial Government.

This, after no less than Service Commission Commissioner Aileen Lizada caught some Capitol employees in the act of abandoning apparently to take lunch at noon recently.

The Capitol employees, who are detailed in various offices, were caught on camera not in their respective desks when Lizada and her team conducted a surprise visit in their offices.

One of the computer desktops was reportedly left by the staff still logged in on an online shopping website.

Provincial Administrator Suzette Mamon told reporters that an investigation is ongoing to unmask that Capitol personnel caught abandoning their positions during lunch break.

Mamon reiterated that Capitol offices observe the “No Noon Break” policy pursuant to Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

RA 11032 was principally authored by former Iloilo 4th district congressman Ferjenel G. Biron.

Mamon said she met with the department heads of the concerned employees to determine the liability of the personnel involved.

The Capitol personnel are reportedly detailed at the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, Provincial Accounting Office, and the Provincial Assessor’s Office.

The provincial administrator vowed to take action on the incident, saying the Capitol is not condoning employees caught violating the Anti-Red Tape Law.

Former Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. issued an executive order pursuant to Republic Act 11032 or “An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services,” which amended Republic Act 9485, or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.

Act 11032 covers all government offices and agencies including local government units, government-owned or controlled corporations.

The law aims at establishing effective delivery, prevent graft and corruption, reduce red tape, and expedite business and non-business transactions in government.

Public workers who fail to comply with the provisions of the law will face administrative charges, which carry a penalty of six months suspension for the first offense.

Likewise, those who found liable of committing the same offense may be dismissed from service, with perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of retirement benefits.

The offender could be jailed from one to six years plus fine ranging from P500,000 up to P2-million.