Bacolod City Legal Officer, Atty. Joselito Bayatan, recently said he plans to consult with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) regarding the possible reinstatement of eight employees who were earlier dismissed in connection with the case regarding the P50 million purchase of furniture and fixtures for the Bacolod City Government Center from 2008.

Citing the Court of Appeals (CA) decision, which overturned the Office of the Ombudsman ruling that dismissed the parties on grounds of grave misconduct and gross neglect, Bayatan said, “We may be able to provide back wages [for the eight employees] and reinstate them.”

The employees in question include Atty. Goldwyn Nifras, Luzviminda Treyes, Nelson Sedillo, Sr., Engr. Belly Aguillon, Aladino Agbones, Engr. Jaries Ebenizer Encabo, Melvin Recabar, and Eduardo Ravena.

Bayatan added, he is confident consultation with the CSC will “yield a positive result.”

Former Negros Occidental Board Member Victor Puey earlier called into question a similar optimism, pointing out a March 2, 2017 issue of a local newspaper with a headline reading, “Mayor’s camp expects preliminary injunction,” which was published prior to the CA decision.

“It is very clear and apparent that this honorable Court of Appeals has already prejudged the case in favor of petitioner Evelio Leonardia,” he argued. “This only goes to show that they already expect and are sure of a favorable ruling.”

Criminal proceedings regarding the case are currently being heard before the Sandiganbayan, where Leonardia previously expressed optimism they would render a decision in his favor./NC, WDJ