IT was not exactly “tamjune,” or aptly up to the end of June for some casual, contractual and plantilla positions hired by the previous administration, as Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado signed five executive orders on the very hour winning politicians would have basked in the spotlight during the day they take oaths of office.
For the new governor, it was a historic moment when, on the first hour of his official installation, Aumentado signed five executive orders that would well define his seriousness in his campaign to give Boholanos the kind of service they deserve.
Among his first official acts, the former solon now governor signed Executive Order No. 1, series of 2022, which established the Bohol Economic Recovery Task Force, the group mandated to formulate action plans through consultations to draw the economic revival blueprint for his term.
The group is also tasked to review and update existing rehabilitation plans, recommend proper measures based on the legislated recovery plans and monitor the implementation of the approved adopted actions to ensure its completion and Bohol reaping of its desired outcomes.
He also signed Executive Order No 2, series of 2022, which established the Office of Governance Accountability and Review (OGAR].
The OGAR would be tasked to identify and go over the dealings of the Provincial Government and its officials and employees prior to June 30, especially those which appear to be against the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials and Employees, probe and investigate such to identify persons responsible and involved and recommend appropriate actions for such individuals.
The order stemmed from reports of allegations of irregularities and questionable transactions of the officials and employees of the Provincial Government prior to the elections.
Then, the governor signed Executive Order no 3, series of 2022, establishing the development agenda and creating its focus and tracking group.
In his inaugural message, Aumentado, who had previous consultation with Boholanos, cited stable and sufficient supply of power and water, jobs and livelihood creation, peace and order and infrastructure as his development directions.
He also talked about governance reforms, health and social services, trade and industry, agriculture, eco-tourism, environment and education as flagship development thrusts.
He also laid down his priority development plans for his administration’s first 100 days.
That same day, he signed Executive order No. 4, series of 2022 which extended for 30 days specific job-order, casual workers or plantilla position employees who are contracted to perform critical and technical functions.
While the Civil Service Law is clear in co-terminus employees also officially ending their terms when the term of the appointing officer expires, the governor reasoned out that their immediate termination could disrupt and hamper government operations and could cause damage to live and property.
Such employees at the Provincial Health Office and the 10 district hospitals, General Services Office, Bohol Information Communication and Technology Office, Veterinarians Office, TARSIER 117, Bohol District Jail and those assigned to perform functions for the Sandugo Celebration have found a new lease of life, or at least for a month more.
Finally, the governor also signed Executive Order No 5, series of 2022, which set the guidelines on the entry of live poultry, captured wild ornamental birds, poultry products and by products, in defense of Bohol from the threat of the Avian Influenza.
Still remaining Avian Influenza-free, Bohol puts up a total ban on poultry products, birds and live chicken from mainland Luzon and mainland Mindanao, and regulated the entry of the named products from Avian-Influenza-free provinces and regions. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
