“Ignorance of the Law Excuses No One”

September 9, 11, and 12, 2014, Vigan Culture and Trade Center, Vigan City.– The City Government conducted the Training on Administrative Offenses for 197 employees. Divided in three batches, the participants were oriented on the various administrative offenses, their nature and corresponding penalties for their commission. The speakers from the Legal Department of the Civil Service Commission also discussed administrative procedures in the filing of complaints so that employees will know their rights.
The training, according to one speaker, is the first to be given by an LGU to its employees. What the Commission is usually conducting is training on administrative justice for members of Grievance Committees responsible in handling administrative cases, like the Fact Finding Committee. Vigan City is the first LGU to request for such a training for its employees. Atty. Rex also pointed out to the participants that the exercise is a sign of the city government’s concern for the welfare of the employees so that they may avoid committing offenses and incurring derogatory records to their names. The casual and contractual employees were also warned that even with their status, an offense that merits a penalty of dismissal will render them barred from any government service.
The whole day training was very beneficial to the participants as it gave them a working knowledge that will guard them against committing offenses. They will no longer say, “I am not aware” because ignorance of the law excuses no one.
The three batches received their certificates in a closing ceremony after the training of the last batch of participants in the afternoon of September 12, 2014 at the VCTC. –Geozita A. Haygood, CHRMO.