By CESAR JOLITO III
The dismissal of former Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) General Manager Mona Dia Jardin underwent due process, according to Board of Directors President Atty. Sonya Verdeflor.
In an interview, Verdeflor stressed that the board’s decision was anchored on multiple violations allegedly committed by Jardin, including lack of transparency and failure to regularly update the board on matters related to the joint venture agreement (JVA).
“She is accountable to us and must answer our questions. As long as she enjoys the trust and confidence of the board, she can remain in her post. But once that is gone, she cannot,” Verdeflor said.
Verdeflor emphasized that Jardin was given the chance to explain before her removal, citing that a board resolution was first issued, and she was given five working days to respond.
“This is not my ruling. This is the ruling of the Supreme Court,” she said, referring to the principle that loss of trust and confidence is a valid ground for dismissal.
Among the issues cited were cases filed by union employees over unpaid back wages, the dismissal of 22 staff members deemed illegal, and retirees allegedly misled into expecting 150 percent separation pay under the Early Retirement Incentive Program when the maximum allowed was only 75 percent.
“Baciwa has been placed at a great disadvantage, and its consumers have been suffering,” Verdeflor said, citing Commission on Audit findings for 2023 and 2024 that flagged more irregularities.
Baciwa installed Engineer Michael Soliva as acting general manager.
The board also pointed to Jardin’s role as signatory to the controversial 2020 JVA with Primewater Infrastructure Corp., which Verdeflor said failed to deliver on its commitments: round-the-clock potable water and P1.6 billion in capital expenditure, of which only P130 million was invested.
Additionally, the board questioned a P34-million land purchase in Barangay Alangilan from the Sorbito family, which they said was paid in full despite lacking clearances from the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the city’s tax division.
The property also remains untitled under Baciwa’s name.
‘Illegal’
Jardin, in a letter to Verdeflor, vice chairperson Edgardo Uychiat and corporate secretary Clarissa Araneta dated August 22, said she rejected Baciwa’s resolution terminating her appointment.
Jardin had earlier claimed that her removal did not go through proper procedures, a contention Verdeflor firmly denied.
“I am not vacating and will not vacate my position, considering that your resolution is illegal, null and void and without any basis both morally and in law,” Jardin stated.
“There must be a formal complaint filed, a notice of hearing, and a formal investigation,” Jardin said, stressing that she is covered by civil service laws.
She added that she is seeking a formal probe by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel./CJ, WDJ