Four P'sinan workers sued for graft, abuse

By Jennelyn Mondejar

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Four provincial government employees, two of them holding managerial positions, were charged for grave misconduct, abuse of authority, dishonesty, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. 

           

Provincial legal officer Geraldine Baniqued said Wednesday the employees, whose identities were withheld, were given 10 days to submit their verified answer to charges filed against them. 

           

Baniqued said the provincial government under Gov. Amado Espino Jr. is resolved to strengthen the bureaucracy by instilling professionalism and excellence through disciplinary action against erring employees. 

           

A total of 16 cases were filed due to dishonesty, gross misconduct, neglect of duty, acts unbecoming of a public official, insubordination and falsification of documents in 2009.

           

Seven cases were dismissed while the respondents in the remaining nine cases were either suspended without pay or disqualified for promotion.

           

Eighteen cases were filed in 2010, of which nine cases were meted with suspension from work without pay and reprimand. 

           

Seven cases were filed last year, including those against provincial guards and an assistant provincial warden.