Bernad is facing charges of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service while Bravo is facing charges for misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Navarro also recommended that the two be placed under preventive suspension for 90 days upon receipt of the formal charges.
Navarro said the decision in filling administrative charges against the two NFA officials was arrived at after a fact finding investigation was made on their alleged involvement pertaining to the missing 17,500 sacks of NFA rice in March.
Navarro said the fact finding investigators found probable cause based on the alleged irregular use of retailers’ passbook over and above the usual and regular allocations for accredited rice retailers in North Cotabato.
Navarro has asked the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel to assign hearing officers and prosecutors to hear the cases.
“We will inform you from time to time of the progress of the cases,” Navarro assured vice governor Emmanuel Piñol in his letter. Pinol chairs the Sangguniang Panalawigan.
Navarro also lauded the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for their cooperation in monitoring proper distribution of rice to the intended consumers.
Bravo, however, questioned the filling of charges against him.
He said he had nothing to do with the release of 17,500 sacks of NFA rice to the traders.
Bravo said he will appeal to the NFA administrator to exclude him as respondent. Vice Gov. Piñol was also surprised to know Bravo was included.
Bernad, who could not be reached for comment, was relieved and assigned at NFA Region 9 in Zamboanga City.
In his radio program “Pareng Vice Gob Ug Ang mga panday sa Balaud” aired over six radio stations in Southwestern Mindanao last week even commended the bravery of asst. manager Bravo that exposed the missing NFA rice.
The vice governor said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will give Bravo a commendation award for the job he has done.
Piñol will also ask the NFA administrator not to charge Bravo. (Williamor A. Magbanua/MindaNews)