GOVERNOR Aris Aumentado suspended assistant department head Larry Pamugas over the alleged questionable implementation of Advanced Rice Technology (ART) 160 program under then Gov. Art Yap.
Pamugas is suspended for 60 days starting March 1, 2023 as confirmed by Provincial Legal Officer Atty, Handel Lagunay in media interview.
Capitol source said that provincial administrator Aster Caberte assumed as acting aggie head.
Report said that provincial agriculturist Liza Quirog has already back in office.
It was learned that the filing of said charges against Pamugas was not in the name of OGAR but OGAR head Leoncio Evasco, former City Mayor Dan Lim, retired Provincial Prosecutor Macario Delusa, retired Judge Suceso Arcamo and Willy Ramasola filed it as concerned citizens.
Per OGAR’s recommendation, Pamugas is facing grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and commission of an act punishable under the Anti-Graft Law.
Pamugas fights back and filed a case questioning the issuance of an executive order creating the OGAR.
As of this writing, there was no outcome yet of this case.
Pamugas has posted a lengthy reply and disappointment on what he called his crucifixion but he did not name names who are running against his neck.
“Akong simple nga mensahe sa akong mga kahigalaan – Ilansang man ko sa krus, labayan man ko ug bato, gub-a ang reputasyon sa akong pamilya, tumbi ko, kunis-kunisa ko ninyo, ipalayo ko sa akong mga higala, buhata ang tanan ninyo’ng gustong buhaton… apan ayaw ninyo ilimod ang inyong dautan nga binuhatan nga inyong gitago pinaagi sa pagluwat ug mga Executive Orders nga akong gikwestyon sa atong hukmanan sa hustisya,” part of his lament said.
Pamugas appeared to be unperturbed in the said case he’s facing.
“Wala ko mahadlok kay wala koy gibuhat nga dautan ug wala koy gitago-an. Lig-on ang akong depensa – dili mahitungod sa ilang mga gisabwag sa bakak ug mga gibutang-butang nga akusasyon sa social media batok nako – apan depensa batok niadtong ilang hinimo nga mga akusasyon nga ilang gipirmahan.”
He is hopeful, however, that he has a chance on this fight.
“Sigurado ko nga maayo ang atong laban – dili sa social media diin walay bili ang “due process” apan ngadto sa atong husgado.” (rvo)
