DAGUPAN CITY - Mayor Benjamin S. Lim reprimanded on September 14 the 11 regular employees of the cleanliness campaign task force (CCTF) who were found guilty of frequent unauthorized absences.

Lim issued a stern warning to the 11 employees that a repetition of similar acts “will be dealt with more severely.” Lim’s action was made following an investigation by a committee headed by city legal officer Geraldine Baniqued.

“We are consistently striving to create an ideal government office where every employee conducts himself with utmost honesty and diligence. However, we also understand that our employees have frailties being a natural part of every individual,” said Lim.

According to Lim, the 11 employees showed a sign of remorse for their shortcomings and have pledged to do their best once given a second chance.

The mayor further reminded all City Hall employees of the time-honored principle: “Public office is a public trust.”

Accroding to Baniqued, the four-page decision of the committee considered humanitarian reason so that the 11 charged employees will not be economically dislocated because they are currently receiving meager income.

Along this line, Baniqued bared that the city government has approved a new system for the filing of a leave of absence and sick leave in order to assure that all employees are physically performing their duties and responsibilities in their respective workplaces.

Baniqued said that the application for a leave of absence should be filed at least one day before the intended date of leave.

But in the case of sick leave, the application can be filed after the emplooyee has recovered from sickness provided that he will immediately inform his office head to avoid abandonment of post. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)