THE cases of five former department heads of Santa Barbara government who were allegedly ‘illegally-seated’ being ‘unqualified’ during the past administration under former mayor Joel delos Santos are under probe.

This was bared by town mayor Carlito Zaplan in an interview over Aksyon Radyo.

Zaplan said two out of five department heads, namely Gerald Paragas of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC), and Alfredo Silan of the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) were removed from their posts.

The other three ex-department heads are Minrad Tigno from the Municipal Budget Office (MBO), Diosdado Garcia of the Human Resources Development and Management Office (HRDMO), and Engr. Randolf Manuel of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

Zaplan said he ordered to retrieve the officials’ 201-file. (employee’s profile) to validate findings that the department heads installed by former Sta. Barbara Mayor Joel delos Santos lacked the requirements to be eligible for the position.

As of press time, Zaplan has not yet appointed a qualified officer-in-charge for the MPDC.

Silan allegedly ‘abandoned’ his post, while Zaplan said Paragas should refund his wages during his tenure as MPDC OIC since he was ‘illegally-seated’, or else face charges.

It will be recalled that the Civil Service Commission Regional Office 1 issued a decision dated August 24, 2020 ordering the recall the permanent appointment of Gerald Paragas as MPDC. This was signed by Director IV Hedy Jose B. Lardizabal.

“Accordingly, the permanent appointment of Paragas is REVOKED and considered DISAPPROVED.” The CSC decision added.

Despite the order issued in 2020, then Mayor Joel delos Santos reportedly ignored the CSC order and continued to work with Paragas.

The PUNCH tried to contact both Paragas and Silan through their respective Facebook accounts, but neither one replied. (Ahikam Pasion)

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