The Department of Interior and Local (DILG) is now investigating a vice mayor of a town in Batangas province over his “online game show” which was done during office hours.
Commissioner Aileen Lizada of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), when asked about the case filed against San Pascual, Batangas Vice Mayor Isagani “Willy” Dimatatac, said she has forwarded the complaint to the DILG.
“Forwarded na po kay SILG (Secretary of Interior and Local Government),” Lizada said.
She added that Interior Secretary Eduardo Año himself told her they are looking at the case.
“As per SILG, pina-check na niya (online game show during office hours),” Lizada said.
Dimatatac put himself in hot water after a concerned citizen filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman, the DILG and CSC, for his allegedly violating Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, as he conducted the “gimmick” during office hours.
In a three-page complaint filed before Ombudsman Samuel Martires, DILG Secretary Año, and CSC Chairperson Alicia Dela Rosa Bala, it was petitioned that Dimatatac and Council Lanifel Manalo be placed under preventive suspension during their investigation on the “online game show.”
“After due notice and hearing, judgement be rendered ordering the dismissal from service respondent Vice Mayor Isagani ‘Willy’ Dimatatac and Councilor Lanifel Manalo for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, together with the cancellation of all his eligibilities, forfeiture of his retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from public office and taking civil service examinations,” the complaint said.
The complaint also said that Dimatactac posted an invitation on Facebook for his “Pandemya Online Game” where he acted as the host and sponsor.
“While ordinarily this kind of activity is welcomed during pandemic, this is sanctioned and strictly prohibited if done during office hours. The civil service commission has declared that this is illegal and against the law,” the complaint stated.
“The abuse of power and wanton disregard and wastage of government time and resources, that warrant dismissal from service together with the cancellation of their eligibilities, forfeiture of his retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from public office,” it added.
The CSC earlier warned government employees of playing online games during office hours as it may constitute to a grave offense under the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service. Neglect of Duty may likewise apply if the Office concerned has no established office rules.
