By Atty. Antonio P. Pekas
Usually, remote areas like those in the Cordillera commit infractions of the law, like in the appointment of officials and ordinary personnel. Sometimes appointments are even delayed even if other qualified applicants are all over the place. This is done because the local powers-that-be have somebody in mind to give the position to, a relative or a compadre who is still waiting to become qualified. He might still be expecting a diploma, or some other requirement. The waiting can take years.
For such, not only will an LGU’s appointing powers be liable. The concerned Civil Service officials can also be guilty.
When no regular appointment is done, an officer-in-charge (OIC) is taken to keep the seat warm. He would, of course, be temporary. If allowed to remain there for a very long time, his superiors would be violating the law. If he is receiving the salary of a regular appointee, the Commission on Audit (COA) can also get into the fray. They can cause those responsible for the anomaly liable for any financial losses suffered by the government. They can be made liable to pay the amount beyond what an OIC is entitled. Remember the favorite word of the COA— disallowed.
So, officials in provinces like the Mountain Province and other CAR provinces, all considered remote, must beware. More so nowadays when social media platforms are being used by everybody. A few messages can readily reach cabinet members and other national officials.
Thus, don’t be surprised if a cabinet secretary will be asked to tender his courtesy resignation because of the stupidity of some provincial officials.
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Since we are talking about Mountain Province we have to congratulate those who will be taking the place of losing candidates a few days from now.
Specifically, congratulations to Franklin Odsey who will be going back as mayor again of Bontoc, Mtn. Prov. A really veteran politician, he must have remained level headed despite so many political victories in the past. Which leads us to the very important lesson younger politicians must learn. Remain humble. Most of the time, those who are victorious in elections become arrogant. Lumalaki ang ulo. They forget where they came from.
With technology, even people in faraway places can influence the outcome of local elections in certain hotly contested areas. For instance, we in Baguio City can influence voters in Bontoc, Mtn. Prov. or in Tabuk, Kalinga. All it takes would be a few text messages during elections.
As to people connected with the media, we can usually reach more people. We have more friends in areas where we hold sway, even with the proliferation of social media. I am saying this because anyway the elections are already over and done with. For those who lost, sorry, maudi ti babawi. Better luck next time. Hopefully, you have already learned your lesson. The hindrance from that happening is always pride. Translation in the local dialect is, pride chicken.
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