Negros HR Chief Faces Dismissal for Grave Misconduct

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The head of Human Resources at the Negros Occidental provincial government has been recommended for dismissal from service after being found guilty of grave misconduct and other administrative offenses.

Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr. said Tuesday that Atty. Annabelle Palic, the department head serving as Human Resource chief, was found administratively liable for grave misconduct, oppression, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and being notoriously undesirable.

Nellas said the recommendation was based on evidence on record.

He added that Palic has filed a motion for reconsideration, which is currently pending before the Provincial Legal Office.

The case stemmed from a joint complaint filed by more than 20 individuals, including job order workers, retirees and one regular employee, who alleged various forms of workplace oppression.

Following the administrative hearing, the PLO recommended Palic’s dismissal to the disciplinary authority.

Nellas said job order workers accused Palic of requiring additional documents or imposing conditions not officially mandated before releasing their salaries.

Retirees alleged delays in the processing and release of their clearances.

One capitol employee claimed that Palic failed to acknowledge his leave credits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nellas noted that the complaints were compiled and filed by the provincial government employees’ union, which was then headed by Renelo Lastierre.

The decision was served to Palic on June 17, 2025, and she filed her motion for reconsideration on June 30.

“As of now, we are respecting due process and acknowledge that she has the right to exhaust all administrative remedies, including the filing of an MR,” Nellas said.

The original complaint was filed in 2021.

Palic was suspended for 60 days and, after the suspension ended on Oct. 4, 2021, she was assigned to the transition team at the Negros First Cyber Centre.

Before the decision was served, Palic continued reporting for duty, but was required to vacate her office after the decision was handed down.

Nellas said the governor will review the motion and decide whether to affirm or overturn the ruling.

If the decision is affirmed, Palic has the right to appeal to the Civil Service Commission.

“While the decision is not yet final, this serves as a reminder that we must respect the rights of employees,” Nellas said.

“We must not exceed the bounds of our duties and responsibilities, and the power entrusted to us should be exercised responsibly,” he added.