THE provincial board of Pangasinan passed a resolution on Monday in their virtual session recommending the immediate transfer of the officer-in-charge (OIC) Schools Division Superintendent of Pangasinan 1 due to mounting allegations of graft and corruption.

Second District Board Member Von Mark Mendoza, principal author, wants Sheila Marie Primicias to be assigned outside Pangasinan as complainants have come out in the open accusing her of graft and corrupt practices.

The approved resolution, addressed to the Office of the President through the Education Secretary, was an offshoot of the series of Question Hours conducted by the provincial board.

A number of teachers have relayed to the board members their sentiments and complaints against Primicias’ questionable policies involving the use of public funds. Some of the complaints reportedly emanated from the other division in San Carlos City where she was originally assigned.

During the provincial board’s investigations, Primicias vehemently denied the allegations against her and maintained her innocence.  (She was scheduled to have an interview with this writer on Thursday but she failed to show up at their appointed time).

Mendoza also noted that a separate fact-finding committee on Primicias initiated by the Central Office of DepEd is being made, alongside with the Commission on Audit, to act on accusations of alleged graft and corruption practices.

He added that there was also a graft case filed at the Ombudsman against Primicias.

“I believe that the incumbent OIC is not focused on her job because she is facing a lot of legal challenges,” he said.

Fourth District Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario, chair of the Committee on Education, said he shares Mendoza’s sentiment.

First District Board Member Margielou Orange Humilde-Versoza, who also relayed the teachers’ sentiments against Primicias in the two previous Question Hours on Pangasinan Division 1, concurred with Mendoza‘s and Rosario’s observations.

Fifth District Board Member Chinky Perez-Tababa also echoed numerous complaints and asked to put an end to this.

However, Sixth District Board Member Noel Bince felt the resolution was too drastic and urged his colleagues to let the proper agency do the necessary action.

Third District Board Member Vici Ventanilla commented, “We should not be judgmental and wait until she is proven guilty”.

However, after a five-minute recess, the board members agreed to pass the resolution when they resumed their discussion. (PhilStar Wire Service/ECV)

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