Proklamasyon sa Regla gihugopan sa mga deboto

The Civil Service Commission-7 yesterday admitted that it does not recognize the authority of Alex Leyson as regional director of the Land Transportation Office for alleged lack of valid appointment to the post.

CSC regional director David Cabanag confirmed the claim of an anti-graft group, called Kawsa Kontra Kahiwian, that Leyson’s continued stay as LTO regional director is illegal because his appointment already expired three years ago.

The KKK group the other day filed a case for graft and corruption against Leyson questioning his continued stay in office that it alleged has been an illegal act.

Cabanag said that, based on CSC records, Leyson’s appointment expired on March 7, 2004 already and that the CSC had ordered Leyson to present a copy of the renewal of his appointment by President Gloria Arroyo.

Leyson failed to comply with the order until now, said Cabanag, adding that as such the CSC does not recognize Leyson as the LTO-7 regional director.

All CSC official communications to LTO-7 have been addressed to the assistant regional director, who it recognized as the acting regional director, Cabanag said.

Without the needed papers to make legal Leyson’s stay in the LTO means that, as a general rule, all transactions including disbursement of funds entered into by Leyson is invalid, said Cabanag.

Asked if the irregularity would be cured if Leyson obtains a renewal of his appointment, Cabanag answered that all appointments are prospective and could not be retroactive.

Leyson, for his part, insisted that his continued stay in office is legal and that the LTO central office in Manila has recognized him as such.

He added that he already asked the Department of Transportation and Communication about his appointment’s renewal but he alleged that he was already told that it was no longer necessary.  Leyson said he is a presidential appointee and enjoys the trust and confidence of the president. For as long as the president continues to trust him, he can continue to perform as LTO regional director, he argued.

Executive Order 292 however states that temporary appointment, like that of Leyson, shall not exceed 12 months.  — Fred P. Languido/RAE