Guv keeps hands off PLO mess

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson took a “hands -off” stance in the controversy hounding the Provincial Legal Office here.

Lacson said he will not interfere and will allow the investigation to continue judiciously.

Currently some lawyers and staff of the Negros Occidental Provincial Legal Office were issued show cause orders following complaints lodged against them.

The governor also stayed clear of the suspension of two provincial government executives for various charges.

Earlier, Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said the entire PLO is under investigation after an anonymous complaint reached the governor’s office questioning the lack of presence of lawyers and staff in the office.

After an initial investigation, eight staff members including four lawyers, were issued show cause orders, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz told reporters here.

Diaz said they were asked to explain allegations that their daily time records were not correctly filled up.

Lacson also confirmed that Atty. John Michael Yee of the PLO resigned last week for personal reasons, which he accepted.

Aside from the PLO personnel, Diaz also said an employee of the Treasurer’s Office was also issued a show cause order in relation to money matters.

He said “this is a process that we have to undertake because there were reports coming in that we have verified.”