On nepotism charge: University prexy questions CSC ruling

DUMAGUETE CITY , Philippines  – While Dr. Henry Sojor, president of the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), admitted he appointed her half-sister as clerk of the university on 1992, he defended such action by saying that it was approved by the board of trustees of the Central Visayas Polytechnic College, former name of NORSU.

Based on a copy furnished to The Freeman, a resolution of the CVPC’s board approved to open confidential or coterminous casual positions subject to availability of funds.

Sojor said this was his basis in appointing his half-sister, which was also subsequently approved by the same board. He told The Freeman he needed his half-sister to work with him since he needs a confidential employee.

Sojor was confident that the appointment was legal considering that the Civil Service Commission itself also approved it.

He is confident that his half-sister’s appointment is legal since it was approved by the BOT and based on a resolution. Sojor also said that Civil Service Commission (CSC) approved the appointment of her half-sister.

The CSC, in a promulgation signed last February 1 by Chairman Francisco Duque III and Commissioner Maryann Fernandez Mendoza, however ruled that Sojor was guilty of nepotism as charged, and would penalized with “dismissal from service.”

Sojor contended: "These casual positions were confidential and coterminous; nepotism does not fall then because the casual position created is confidential.”

Sojor also argued that the CSC has no jurisdiction over the case, saying that the school’s board, on March 2, 2001 upon receipt of the complaint had taken jurisdiction of the case based on a resolution issued by the adhoc committee of three that handled any complaint. The CSC took cognizance of the complaint only the year after.

“Since the board acquired jurisdiction earlier than CSC, it should be the one to decide over my case,” he told The Freeman.

As of last Friday however, Sojor said he has not received yet any copy of the CSC’s official decision of the case. “I am still the president of NORSU ... we will be filing a motion for reconsideration,” he said.