Charles Teves
President Rodrigo Duterte might not have been told the truth when he said he dismissed around 200 government employees due to alleged corruption.
During his last Sate of the Nation Address (SONA), he claimed to have fired all those involved in the “pastillas” scam where Chinese nationals bribe immigration personnel to enter the country and later work for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) hubs.
“I still have about a year to go. I will reach you.” he said.
“There were 43 personnel involved. I fired them all. Talagang pinaalis ko sa gobyerno.
“Some I did not allow the publication because may mga pamilya.” he added.
However, the Department of Justice – Bureau of Immigration (DOJ-BI) claims that 84 of the 86 employees who were suspended are back to work. At the same time, the other two is a retiree and a whistleblower.
“These BI personnel have returned to the main office, but most of them have not been given assignments while their cases remain pending,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.
In October 2020, the Office of the Ombudsman slapped a six-month preventive suspension on the 86 personnel and executives.
“The six-month preventive suspension of BI personnel allegedly involved in the so-called ‘pastillas’ scheme has already lapsed,” Guevarra said.
Duterte lied. Again. pic.twitter.com/BJy89cBga3
— The Professional Heckler™️ (@hecklerforever8) July 29, 2021
“No, they were not fired or dismissed, precisely because the investigation of their cases is still going on.
“Under existing Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules, dismissal from service may be imposed for dishonesty and other major administrative offenses. Both the Ombudsman and the DOJ may exercise that disciplinary power after giving the respondents their day in court,” he explained.
The Office of the Ombudsman is currently handling the case of Marc Red Mariñas, a former ports division chief, who, according to Senate hearings, is the mastermind of the scheme.
He was replaced by Grifton Medina, who was also implicated.
“Grifton Medina has not been reinstated at the ports operations division,” said Guevarra.
“It’s up to the BI commissioners if they wish to give these subject personnel any new assignments,” he added.
