By CESAR JOLITO III
Allegations of workplace misconduct and inappropriate conduct led to the serving of a show-cause order against an official of the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Operations Section.
The memorandum order, dated March 18, was issued by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II pursuant to Section 10 of the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.
The official in question received the order on March 25.
Among the allegations are reports from PDRRMO drivers that the official used offensive and inappropriate language in a group chat with office personnel, made statements disparaging co-employees’ competence and qualifications, and questioned the provincial government’s authority in hiring and selection processes.
The official is also accused of encouraging colleagues to resign, which is said to threaten workplace stability and operational efficiency.
Additionally, the order references alleged incidents from 2024 during official trainings — including the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis Training and a Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Training.
The official is said to have claimed illness to leave a training venue but was later observed in circumstances suggestive of an improper personal relationship with a subordinate who was under their supervision.
At the time of the alleged incidents, the official was legally married, and the matter reportedly led to personal discord within their family.
The order states that such conduct, if proven, could constitute insubordination, undermine workplace harmony, and raise concerns about integrity, objectivity and impartiality in performing official duties.
The official is required to submit a written explanation, comment or sworn affidavit within five days of receiving the order to address why no criminal, civil or administrative cases should be filed.
Failure to comply will be deemed a waiver, and the preliminary investigation may proceed without their input./CJ, WDJ