CSC Orders Ex-TCC Prexy Reinstated

While the two presidents are squabbling as to who should be the real president of the Talisay City College (TCC), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has ruled that the terminated president Tomas Ramos be reinstated to his post and be given his back pays.

“The preventive suspension issued against Tomas Ramos is declared null and void on its face for which reason he is granted back salaries for the said period. Moreover, his termination from the service is found illegal. Hence, he is ordered reinstated in the service with payment of back salaries from the time of his illegal dismissal up to his reinstatement,” read the seven-page decision signed by Francisco Duque III, CSC chairman.

Ramos was terminated last year by the TCC board of trustees over an alleged P10 million worth of unliquidated funds. He was replaced by Richel Bacaltos, who was also replaced by Mayor Johnny V. de los Reyes with Dr. Paulus Cañete.

The Commission said the dismissal of Ramos was illegal as it was not in accordance with the requirements of due process of law.

“In administrative proceedings, the elements of due process, particularly procedural due process consist of both notice and hearing. Essentially, notice means that an employee must be properly informed of the charge/s lodged against him so as to enable him/her to intelligently prepare for his/her defense,” the CSC decision read.

“The issuance of a formal charge presupposes the conduct of a preliminary investigation and a determination that there exists evidence that if uncontroverted, support the conclusion that the respondent can be held liable for the act or omission,” it further said.

But Ramos, in his appeal, said he was not issued a formal charge.

Quoting its policy, the commission said the board denied Ramos’ right to due process such as the failure to issue a formal charge, hence it “shall dismiss the appealed case and order the immediate reinstatement of the respondent with payment of back salaries and other benefits.”