By JEN BAYLON

Acting Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Alberto Nellas, Jr. hopes that the motion for reconsideration filed by suspended Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II will be considered by the Office of the Ombudsman.

“We’re hoping that the Ombudsman will approve the motion for reconsideration,” Nellas said in an interview yesterday.

“It’s only temporary, pending his return from suspension,” he added.

Diaz’s motion for reconsideration is currently pending before the Ombudsman.

Nellas said some department heads at the Capitol expect that the Ombudsman will consider Diaz’s appeal, and lift his suspension.

He believes that the favorable outcome will be beneficial for the provincial government.

The acting provincial administrator added that there would be no disruptions during the transition period, as Diaz had already transferred his responsibilities to department heads before his suspension, ensuring a smooth continuity of operations and services.

Earlier, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Diaz rendered voluntary suspension without the need of an order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Lacson also hoped that the case would be reversed.

The Ombudsman issued a six-month preventive suspension order against Diaz and Executive Assistant Chery Sheil Valenzuela, citing a “conflict of interest” in their private practices.

The suspension order prohibits the two officials from engaging in any business transactions and receiving any salary from the government./JB, WDJ