INTERIM General Manager Fermin Jarales of the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) filed administrative charges for grave misconduct against three employees on Friday, July 12.
These charges follow a detailed preliminary investigation under the 2017 Rules of Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (2017 RACCS).
The COWD officials charged with grave misconduct are Evelyn Vasallo, lawyer Angeli Avenido, and Vanessa A. Chiu.
Grave misconduct
On May 29, 2024, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) took over the operations of COWD, appointing an interim board and Jarales as interim general manager.
On June 18, 2024, Jarales requested Vasallo's electronic signature for a board resolution regarding bank signatories, approved on June 11, 2024.
Vasallo refused to comply, despite multiple explanations, causing delays.
This refusal led to a charge of grave misconduct under Section 50(A)(3) of Rule 10 of the 2017 RACCS.
Vasallo has been directed to submit a written and sworn response within 72 hours, indicating if she opts for a formal investigation.
Failure to comply will result in the case being decided based on available evidence.
Vasallo has been placed under preventive suspension for 90 days to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Lawyer Angeli Avenido, the COWD legal counsel, has also been charged with grave misconduct.
On June 5, 2024, Avenido processed a P10,000,000 bond without the interim board's knowledge or approval.
Despite instructions on June 7, 2024, to wait for the board's approval, Avenido proceeded to pay Sterling Insurance Company, Inc. on June 19, 2024, violating protocol.
Avenido must submit a written and sworn response within 72 hours. Non-compliance will result in the case being decided based on available evidence.
Avenido is also placed under preventive suspension for 90 days and must surrender government-issued property.
Vanessa A. Chiu has been charged with grave misconduct for sending a letter to Maria Rosan Perez of LWUA on June 18, 2024, without the interim board's approval.
The letter declared COWD's intent to settle all obligations to LWUA, which was noted as irregular due to the lack of an interim board resolution.
Chiu received a show cause order on June 28, 2024, and submitted a reply on July 5, 2024.
Chiu must also submit a written and sworn response within 72 hours. Non-compliance will lead to the case being decided based on available evidence.
Chiu is placed under preventive suspension for 90 days and must surrender government-issued property.
Attachments and further evidence
Each case includes various attachments, such as board resolutions, appointment documents, disbursement vouchers, and show-cause orders.
Further evidence and witnesses may be presented during the formal hearings.
Issued statements
Jarales emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the investigation, stating that preventive suspensions were necessary to ensure fair proceedings.
He urged the employees involved to comply with the directives and participate in the investigation process.
The COWD continues to operate under LWUA's oversight, with the interim board and management focused on ensuring proper governance and adherence to administrative rules.
These developments underscore the commitment of COWD's interim management to uphold accountability and integrity within the organization, Jarales said.
Jarales said that the outcome of these cases will set a precedent for future administrative proceedings within the public service sector.
He pointed out that it is crucial to keep the investigation fair and honest. He said that suspending the people being investigated is important to prevent them from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence that could be used against them.
