PDEA-Region 6 chief sacked from post

CEBU, Philippines - The lack of Civil Service eligibility cost not the post but the career of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)- Region VI director Edwin Layese.

Effective November 21, the PDEA central office ordered the dismissal of Layese, along with PDEA Region 3 director Roybel Sanchez and Region 1 director Rogelio Cabrera.

With an apparent heavy heart, “I’m following the order to leave the PDEA due to termination of service,” he said.

Layese, who held a lieutenant colonel rank at the Philippine Army before he joined PDEA, assumed post as PDEA-Region 6 director last Sept. 1, 2012.

Even then, his lack of eligibility from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to hold his post as a regular director was questioned.

But PDEA deputy director for administration Asec. Rene Orbe said that Layese was hired on a “on a temporary capacity. That’s why acting regional director lang siya.”

Orbe stated that Layese could occupy his present post for a certain period of time but next year, if he could not submit his requirement, he might be relieved from post.

It was gathered that Layese also took the CSC exam and just waiting for the result.

But to his dismay, even before the result would be released, he was already terminated from the service.

“Actually, nag-appeal na ako sa Civil Service to hold in abeyance yung mga order nila but lumabas pa rin. Siguro everything has its own purpose,” Layese said.

If ever the result would be on his favor chances are, Layese would be reinstated from the service.

However, “I have to talk to my family kung magpapa-reinstate pa ako o mangahanap ako ng ibang trabaho in private or public capacity as long as makatulong tayo sa tao,” he said.

With Layese out at PDEA-Region 6, PDEA legal officer Atty. Ronnie Delicana was appointed officer-in-charge. (FREEMAN)