By JEN BAYLON
Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II has opted not to pursue a counterclaim for damages against those who filed cases against him, stating that he will leave his legal battles to divine intervention.
Diaz said pursuing legal action against his accusers would only take time and distract him from his duties in the provincial government.
He emphasized that his attention should solely focus on his duties as the provincial administrator, a role he was unable to perform due to his suspension.
However, Diaz said he would still appeal to the Court of Appeals to clear his name of charges, such as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, oppression, and serious dishonesty.
Diaz said his cases stemmed from his fulfillment of his duties, which involved disciplining provincial government employees for violating work protocols.
He noted that the complainant appeared to have taken his actions personally.
Earlier, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the administrative charges filed against Diaz for lack of merit.
In a decision dated July 17, the Ombudsman dismissed the cases of serious dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and oppression against Diaz, along with Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas, Jr. and Executive Assistant Chery Sheila Valenzuela.
The Ombudsman also reduced Diaz’s suspension from the initial six months to one month, acknowledging that the penalty, issued on June 10, was too severe for the alleged infractions.
Diaz now awaits a resolution from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to resume his post.
He also expects a two-month back pay for his suspension.
Despite legal challenges, Diaz expressed readiness to continue serving under the administration of Governor Eugenio Lacson until the end of his term in 2028.
Meanwhile, Lacson welcomed the Ombudsman’s decision reducing Diaz’s suspension.
Lacson said the DILG will issue a resolution reinstating Diaz in the provincial government.
Diaz’s conflict of interest case stemmed from his alleged failure to provide legal assistance or representation to the Binalbagan municipal government.
The local government filed an expropriation case against Diaz before the Himamaylan City Regional Trial Court, as he allegedly provided legal assistance for JLL Agriculture and Development, while he was serving as provincial administrator./JB, WDJ