To enjoy summer vacation: ABC officials request for marathon hearing

The Association of Barangay Councils wants the Sandiganbayan to implement a 90-day suspension of the trial of the misconduct charges filed against its officials by an engineer who alleged that she was "illegally terminated" from service.

But before the suspension takes effect, ABC president Eugenio Faelnar wanted the Sandiganbayan to conduct a marathon hearing of the case from March 29, 30 and 31.

"We want the Sandiganbayan to resolve this case so that we will enjoy our summer vacation and (be) free from any hassles," Faelnar said, adding that the entire board members will be present during the hearing.

Named as respondents in the case filed by Engineer Leah Rondez are Faelnar, ABC board members Sisinio Andales, Fortunato Parawan, Lorenzo Basamot, Daido Abcede, Michael Ocleasa, Michael Ralota, Nemesio Pagador, Licerio Jaca, Nilo Tariman, Jerry Guardo, ABC Executive Secretary Tesa Cang and former Civil Service Commissioner director Tomas Ramos.

Rondez, who was appointed barangay project engineer from September to December 31, 2002 during the term of former ABC president Jose Navarro, was terminated from service when the new ABC officials assumed office.

Her appointment, reportedly renewable every six months, was approved by then mayor Alvin Garcia and was duly noted by the Civil Service Commission.

The present ABC officials earlier explained that Rondez's termination could not be labeled as grave abuse of authority, oppression and grave misconduct for their part because as new ABC officials, they are free to choose their own staff.

Rondez alleged that the respondents committed misconduct when they refused to release her terminal leave pay and other benefits after they illegally terminated her services.

In 2004, the Ombudsman preventively suspended the entire ABC board for six months but the Court of Appeals issued an injunction against the suspension after the respondents questioned the anti-graft office's authority to issue penalties, citing a Supreme Court ruling on a case involving Sen. Lito Lapid.

Faelnar said the termination complaint against them was already resolved in court, which cited that they could not be held liable since Rondez was not a government employee.

But according to Faelnar, what they are facing before the Sandiganbayan was Rondez's complaint that the board denied her claim of P4,300 as reimbursement for her vehicle fuel expenses. - Garry B. Lao