Who’s next?
Last week, the Office of Government Accountability and Review (OGAR) released its decision to file administrative charges against Dr. Larry Pamugas for alleged anomaly/ies at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
As such, many Boholanos are asking OGAR: Whose head will roll next, after Pamugas, the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist?
Just moments after assuming power as head of the province back in June 30, 2023, Gov. Erico Aristole Aumentado signed an executive order creating OGAR which is tasked to investigate and charge those involved in anomalies especially those from previous administrations.
It was only in December 2022, when OGAR was told to include the present officials in its probes.
Will the people now expect the bigger names from the previous administrations to be charged by OGAR ?
Did majority of the Boholano people expect that an OIC, like Pamugas, will be the first one to be charged by OGAR for alleged anomalies?
There are some who say that they least expected to see Pamugas in hot water considering his relations and stature among Boholano farmers.
Is Pamugas going to be suspended? Who will take his place?
These are the additional questions in the mind of observers following the news coming from OGAR.
The specific details of the case against Pamugas remain to be hidden from public view as of the moment, the observers said.
Pamugas himself, is clueless about the case against him. He has yet to receive a copy of the complaint.
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. It has something to do with alleged irregularities related to the implementation of the Advanced Rice Technology (ART) 160 program of the previous administration of 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 also 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 but 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. He heard that ART 160 is one of the issues in the charges against him.
But Pamugas seems to be surprised why charges will be filed against him about ART 160. He said that 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 (referring too Ardy Aaneta-Batoy, the radio program anchorperson) 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 officemates 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.
REACTIONS
One of those who reacted to the situation of Pamugas is the Provincial Agriculturist, herself, Liza Quirog.
Quirog was interviewed in the Jan 25, 2023 edition of Newsmakers Ug Uban Pa and was asked to speak about Pamugas’ status and situation.
Quirog was asked about her statement on social media regarding Pamugas and this is what she said: “I want to… gusto nako makafeel ang… not only the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist but the entire province kay 60 to 70% of [Boholano] people are dependent on the agriculture sector nga geserbisyohan sa Office of the Provincial Agriculturist especially under the leadership of Dr. Larry that we believe in the integrity of Dr. Larry and we want matagaan ug fairness.”
She wants that Pamugas be given the chance to defend himself against the accusations of anomalies hurled against him.
Quirog said she hopes the agriculture workers and farmers of Bohol would not get demoralized as a result of the accusations of anomalies hurled against Pamugas.
She is afraid when the persons working in the agriculture sector gets demoralized as it might cause an impact on food security.
Quirog urged the present administration to encourage the provincial government workers to work harder.
And she calls for fairness in dealing with accusations of anomalies hurled against any provincial government employee.
She urged the OGAR to help inspire people by showing fairness. The OGAR should have informed the accused first of the charges before releasing any case-related information to the public.
Meanwhile, Quirog vouched for Pamugas’ integrity and acknowledged his sacrifices in the agriculture field.
Finally, Quirog pointed out Pamugas’ value in improving the productivity of the agriculture sector in Bohol.