The officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Dr. Larry Pamugas, says that he has not received a copy of the charges against him and declares he is going to face such charges as reportedly filed by the Office of Government Accountability and Review (OGAR).
This was his statement during his interview over Newsmakers ug Uban Pa on Jan. 23, 2023, hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Dave Albarado.
The issue stems from reports that OGAR recommended the filing of administrative charges against Pamugas for alleged irregularities related to the implementation of the Advanced Rice Technology (ART) 160 program of the previous administration fo then Gov. Art Yap.
When asked if he is going to face the charges head on Pamugas said: “Sama sa akong giingon kanunay sa mga interview nga, apil man na sa atong trabaho. Basta in line ang ilang reklamo sa atong trabaho, ato nang tubagon.”
Pamugas said he has yet to receive the details of the complaint as he will face head on the allegations leveled against him.
Pamugas said he never expected that he would be in a situation where allegations of wrongdoing will he leveled against him.
In his 25 years in government service, this is the first time he is being implicated in an alleged anomaly.
When asked about how he feels regarding the charges filed against him, Pamugas said that it is only natural for him to feel anxious over the situation.
He never expected that despite his dedication to public service, there is this instance WHEN he would face a challenge such as an anomaly or anomalies allegedly committed by him.
Pamugas said there have been several agencies involved in the implementation of Art 160 – the matter which he heard is one of the issues in the charges against him.
He said the program is able to help the farmers in Bohol as it has been providing them the inputs to increase rice production IN their respective farm lands.
Moreover, Pamugas said that he finds pleasure in his service to the farmers and fishermen. He feels fulfillment in the fact THAT he can contribute to the growth and development of agricultural workers in Bohol.
When asked of the possibility of being suspended from service in the progress of the investigation of the alleged anomaly, Pamugas said: “Kung apil sa proceso Ma’am Ards wala tay mahimo kay empleyado ra man ta ug mosunod lang ta ug unsay ilang proseso ug atoa ra pod matubag ang atong side.”
Pamugas was also asked of the feedback of his office mates regarding the matter, and he said “Kaninang buntag sa meeting before ta midung dire sa Getafe wala nato hisgoti ang problema tungod kay wala pa man lage ang kopya nato.”
Pamugas said that he is willing to be interviewed anytime, if needed, to shed light on the matter.