2 Laoag City gov’t execs at odds after ‘Lawin’

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

Laoag City—City Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Council officer Dr. Melvin Manuel confirmed that he has filed administrative and direct assault charges against Community Affairs officer Bernardino Rodillas.

Mr. Manuel explained that the administrative case was filed at the city hall; while the direct assault was filed at the city prosecutor’s office. He added that he will also file the same at the Civil Service Commission and at the Sandiganbayan.

Mr. Manuel revealed that Mr. Rodillas allegedly badmouthed him when the latter about the non-food relief items that were stocked at the city hall media center without informing him.

Mr. Rodillas reportedly said that he should also be consulted about the transfer of items since he heads the office in charge.

Mr. Manuel, however said that Laoag mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas was informed about the matter and subsequently gave her approval.

Mr. Manuel added that the media center was chosen as it was close to the flag area. The said items were distributed to typhoon “Lawin” victims after the flag-raising ceremony.

This triggered the misunderstanding between the two Laoag officials.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Fariñas said the issue is already at the disciplinary and separation board (DSB). She stressed that there will be no special treatment in the case.

“Awan ti ik-ikkak kaniyada appo ken saan a rason iti pannaka-bannug or adda man sagubanit iti maysa a tao tapnu maikkan iti licensiya a makisarita iti pada na a tao uray nababbaba man isuna iti madi a wagas,” the mayor said.

Mrs. Fariñas also declared that she instructed Mr. Manuel to inventory the non-food items from the Office of Civil Defense after the city was declared under a state of calamity. She added that the items were scheduled to be distributed to the city’s barangays after the flag-raising ceremony.

She stressed that she permitted that the items be stored at the media center.

She however clarified that her remarks will not be misinterpreted. She said she was only retelling what transpired.

The Ilocos Times tried to get Mr. Rodillas’ side on the issue but he refused to comment. He only said “there will be a proper time to answer.”

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