IN HOT WATER. Danao City Mayor Ramonito “Nito” Durano III answers questions from media concerning his political conflict with his brother, former mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr. in this CDN file photo
Danao City Mayor Ramonito “Nito” Durano III filed a motion for reconsideration on the three-month suspension imposed on him by the Ombudsman for failing to reinstate seven employees whose appointments he revoked in 2013.
Durano’s lawyer Edmund Lao said they filed the motion on the case of simple neglect of duty after they received a copy of the Ombudsman order last Jan. 25.
In their motion, Lao said the seven employees had been directed to report to work after the mayor was told by the Civil Service Commission to reinstate them.
The complainants — Orlando Dagatan Jr., Amabella Gomez, Cecilia Lawas, Celso Aylwin Manulat, Leo Enriquez, Conchita Batuto and Maria Sofielyn Camance — were appointed by former Danao City mayor and Ramonito’s older brother Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr.
In revoking their appointments, Mayor Nito Durano claimed that the complainants didn’t undergo screening by the Personnel Selection Board, as mandated by a City Council resolution.
Despite being reinstated, the employees filed a counter-manifestation, pointing out that their back salaries, leave credits and other benefits were not released.
For failing to release their benefits, the Ombudsman ruled that Durano was guilty of simple neglect of duty, a violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
But Lao said the back salaries and other benefits were not released immediately since the budget had already been finalized and a supplemental budget had yet to be enacted.
Lao said all monetary benefits due to the employees had been released by September last year.
He said the mayor didn’t neglect to release the benefits since he waited on the council to approve the supplemental budget for that purpose.
Regional Director Rene Burdeos of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said his office has not yet received a copy of the Ombudsman’s decision.
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