Davide: Tribunalo not booted out of PENRO

Baltazar Tribunalo, Jr. has stepped down as officer-in-charge of the Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) but the movement has nothing to do with the allegations he is facing at the Capitol.

Governor Hilario Davide III explained that Tribunalo's appointment as OIC has already expired.

“Kay one year na man si Baltz. His appointment has expired already in light of the Civil Service regulation. Naa gihapon si Baltz; I asked him to assist gihapon,” Davide said.

A 2017 Circular of the CSC states that "For positions without incumbents, a designation may be made only for a maximum of one (1) year."

Senior Environmentalist Rodel Bontuyan is the new PENRO OIC.

Tribunalo said he is happy that his tenure has expired so he can now focus on the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), which he also heads.

"Karon, mas relaxed, less burden, maong nagpasalamat kaayo ko sa HR (Human Resources) ug ni Gov," Tribunalo said.

He said Bontuyan has asked him for guidance during the transition period.

Tribunalo is facing investigation for allegedly harassing a female employee at PENRO and for allegedly making a job order employee at the Capitol plant at his farm.

His friend, Santa Fe diocesan priest Roy Bucag, has come to his defense, describing Tribunalo as a "man of honor," a "man of truth," and a "man with principles."

"Sa pagkakaron, di ko mutuo tungod kay under investigation pa man kaha as I read it sa news... Mao nakaingon ko nga dili kay lahi sa akong pagkaila ni Sir Baltz… dili siya ingon niana," Bucag has said.

"Dili na siya madala'g bayad labi na karon nga strikto siya anang mga illegal (quarrying) sa sapa. Daghan na siya'g nabangga nga mga inila pero di na siya mahadlok," Bucag added.