4 LGU employees dismissed for misuse of government vehicle

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Four employees in the office of the provincial agriculturist in Negros Occidental have been dismissed from the service for using a government vehicle beyond office hours.

Ramelo Letran, German Abihay, Rezin Palacios and Maria Luisa Abaño were found guilty of grave misconduct, according to a 12-page decision approved by Gov. Eugenio Lacson dated Jan. 3, provincial legal officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said yesterday.

Nellas said the four can still appeal their dismissal with the Civil Service Commission, but will no longer be allowed to work in the provincial government.

The four were also meted the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, prohibition from taking civil service examinations and forfeiture of retirement benefits.

The case against the dismissed employees stemmed from the use of their service vehicle beyond the travel order issued to them on July 15 last year.

Nellas said the employees had a drinking session in a seafood restaurant in Victorias City beyond office hours, violating the travel authority issued to them. The four also engaged the services of provincial capitol driver Lemuel Gravino.

Nellas said the four failed to present evidence that will controvert the findings of the probe team.