By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – A trusted aide of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has been dismissed following allegations of misconduct related to a furniture repair project in the governor’s office.
Relieved of his duties due to a loss of trust and confidence was Francis Velez, chief of staff to Governor Lacson.
Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr., the Provincial Legal Officer and acting Provincial Administrator, said Friday that Velez’s dismissal was effective July 30, 2024.
The governor declined to comment on the matter, stating, “I will not comment on the case of Mr. Velez.”
Nellas confirmed that “he (Velez) is no longer connected with the Provincial Government.”
Velez, who held the position of Executive Assistant IV, managed barangay affairs, served as the administrative head, and signed Purchase Requests for the Office of the Governor, according to Nellas.
Velez had been working with Lacson since the latter’s tenure as vice governor of the province.
Nellas had earlier issued a show cause order against Velez prior to his dismissal.
Velez was asked to explain the unauthorized withdrawal of several pieces of furniture from the governor’s office for repair without obtaining prior authorization from Governor Lacson or the head of the procuring entity.
“Additionally, this action was taken without following the procurement process outlined in RA 9184,” Nellas added.
He said that on June 25, Velez issued an Obligation Request for the labor and materials needed for the repair of furniture in the Office of the Governor, including four long sofas, two small sofas, 12 visitor’s chairs, and four executive chairs with arms, amounting to P129,200.
Nellas pointed out that this was done without any prior consultation with the governor or his authority.
Nellas further claimed that based on a comparative analysis of prevailing market prices, the items were overpriced, and no bidding process was conducted.
He emphasized that being a political appointee, Velez could be relieved of his duties due to loss of trust and confidence.
Nellas clarified that Velez was given an opportunity to explain.
“We always observe due process whenever there are allegations,” he stressed.
While an investigation was conducted, Nellas said, “We decided to exercise the prerogative of the governor, who has the privilege to relieve his political appointees if there is a loss of trust and confidence.”
There is no named replacement for Velez as of this writing.
