Leaving a position may result in dismissal

CEBU City Hall employees, including former department heads, who allegedly participated in the protest outside City Hall on November 8, 2024 in support of ousted Mayor Michael Rama may face dismissal for failing to explain their involvement, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said.

24 identified employees of the City Hall joined the protest, some of them still work at the City Hall, some
former employees.

In a press conference on November 25, 2024, Garcia said that only two workers who allegedly joined the protest organized at the Senior Citizens Park in front of the Cebu City Hall Executive Building gave explanations after receiving notice. explain.

The mayor stated that the failure of employees to respond to the request to provide explanations is tantamount to waiving the right to defense.

Garcia declined to name the City Hall employees in which they were allegedly involved
protest.

But some of them are former department heads who served in the Rama administration.

On November 8, former city manager Collin Rosell went to city hall to announce Rama’s return after a six-month preventive suspension. Protesters gathered in front of the executive branch building and chanted for Rama’s reinstatement and called for Garcia’s resignation, labeling him a “usurper.”

The event report prepared by the Mayor’s Office shows that 24 employees of the City Hall actively participated in the rally.

These employees were charged with resigning from their positions due to their alleged participation in the protest.

Since the 72-hour deadline for city hall staff to submit statements expires on Nov. 22, Garcia said the investigation will continue before any decisions or sanctions are imposed.

He clarified that due process would still apply; however, for those who have ignored the notices, this is tantamount to a waiver of their rights.

“Those who ignored meant they didn’t present their side, which means we will judge based on what (evidence) we have,” Garcia said.

“We gave them the opportunity to be heard and this is a fundamental principle enshrined in the constitution – their right to a fair trial,” he added.

Garcia said sanctions would include dismissal from office.

“But you know, December is coming and with contract renewals starting in January (2025), maybe we could continue this,” Garcia said.

Rosell tried to return to his previous office on November 8, but to no avail.

He was also arrested and detained on a usurpation complaint, but posted bail the next day.

Rosell is questioning Garcia’s assumption of office on October 9, arguing that Rama has not yet been formally served with a dismissal order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman over nepotism accusations.

Garcia replied that he took office in accordance with the rule of law. He said he was acting under a memorandum from the Department of the Interior and Local Government that authorized him to take the oath of office and fill the permanent mayoral vacancy following Rama’s dismissal. /EHP