CSC sacks Davao del Sur PIO

DIGOS CITY—The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Davao del Sur has declared the appointment of the province’s information officer (PIO), Ma. Ana Sumatra, null and void due to lack of CSC eligibility.

Richard Ortiz, CSC Davao del Sur head, said the post has been declared vacant and open for applicants.

Sumatra was appointed by Gov. Claude Bautista as provincial information officer III with salary grade 18, or annual salary of P376,212, in January last year.

But Sumatra, Ortiz said, had no civil service eligibility. He said the post of information officer required eligibility.

Media members here sought the CSC’s clarification on the matter as Sumatra, despite the CSC ruling, continues to cling to her position and, in a radio program in the station that she manages, claims she is still information officer.

Lorna Bandigan, the provincial administrator, confirmed that Sumatra had already been relieved of her post and Bautista has yet to appoint a replacement.

Sumatra, however, continues to be employed at the governor’s office as private secretary II, also a coterminus position. Orlando B. Dinoy, Inquirer Mindanao