Republic of the Philippines

NAUJAN WATER DISTRICT

Marcos St., Brgy. Santiago
Naujan, Oriental Mindoro 5204
E-mail: naujanWD@yahoo.com

11 May 2023

Engr. LUDWIN M. BRIONES

LWUA Focal Person
8888 Citizens Complaints Center

Dear Sir:

Subject: Complaint Ticket # W20230509-948-44

This is line with the complaint of Mrs. Maria Eullien Rhena A. Tolentino for disapproving her
Application for Leave Request on May 17-19 which was filed on April 25,2023. Main reason for that
is that it is going to be coincided with or to fall on the due dates of collection for the month
covering/from May 15-22.

Despite knowing the responsibility as a Cashier, she beg to accommodate her request for leave and
insisted to me that they would have a birthday celebration to be held in Manila and their
accommodations were already paid. I told Tolentino that it should not have been set in advance
without my approval. That's putting the cart ahead of the horse because I have not yet decided
regarding the matter, I said.

Tolentino had asked for an arrangement that the reading of billing consumption be done as
scheduled- as in without delay whatsoever- to cope with her duty as Cashier on May 15 and 16
collection period specifically for Zone 1,2 & 3. and the rest be taken charge by other personnel on
May 17-19. Aprilyn Mistiola was the one requested by Tolentino to occupy the position who is
currently holding Admin. Services Assist B, and is concurrently assigned as Utilities/Cust. Services
Assist. B. In that sense, it is too much to pass additional responsibilities to Mistiola for various
positions. Let me clarify something that she is not authorized alternate cashier nor bonded by the
Bureau of Treasury, contrary to what Tolentino alleged in her complaint.

On May 4 there was a failure of reading in Zone 3 for having been absent of Michael Bacay that
caused to change the schedule of due date to May 17. This period is also crucial to attend because
many customers pay for their bills.

In another situation, I received a phone call from LWUA on Tuesday, May 9 that there was an advice
to claim the initial release of our fund from loan in the form of check. With that, I will have to go on
official travel to Manila on May 16 and possibly be extended until May 18, due to other errands to
run for our agency. Because we have limited personnel in our office, it is always wise to prioritize the
best interest of the District.

In this case, I informed Tolentino of the situation on May 9 at around 2:30pm that she would not be
allowed for a 3-day leave of absence. Tolentino immediately reacted by saying harsh words, Hindi
ako papayag! Humanda ka bukas. Irereklamo kita sa CSC. Para sa ano, ang tanong ko? Dahil ayaw
mong aprubahan ang leave ko, sabi niya. That is who she really is, and the way she acted at that
moment was very unprofessional without respect to her Head of Office professing absolute threat
and direct insubordination.
 Republic of the Philippines
NAUJAN WATER DISTRICT
Marcos St., Brgy. Santiago
Naujan, Oriental Mindoro 5204
E-mail: naujanWD@yahoo.com
It is all lies when Tolentino said that I scolded her and made disgracing words. With regards to her
accusation of sexual harassment and abuse of power, it is purely fabricated and a product of her wild
imagination. Her anxiety or depression reminds me of why she has acted overkill more often than
not. The reality cannot hide that the complainant might have been suffering from such disorder as
what she told me.

Tolentíno also invoked Section 49 of Omnibus Rule on Leave, Whenever the application for leave is
not acted upon within five (5) working days after receipt thereof, leave of absence shall be deemed
approved. But the fact is, as we both agreed upon filing her leave, I have yet to observe the water
billing process until it is finished, and then shall I decide whether her request is approved or
disapproved. Please note that it was only on May 9 that water bills for Zone 3 were printed as final
because Tolentino was trying to insist that the Zone 3 be scheduled on May 15 as those of Zone 1
and Zone 2 in order to avoid falling on May 17- the first day of her absence from work. So it is clear
that she just wanted to be free from her duties (on May 17) so as to avoid any delay of her Leave
plan.

In my opinion, it is my right as Head of our Agency to put things first which may be best for the
District while Leave of absence for any reason other than illness....must be contingent upon the
needs of the service, as provided in Section 52 of CSC Omnibus Rule On Leave. It is a matter of
priority between the agency's interest and personal benefit. Mine is in the exigency of service to the
public that must be paid preferential attention. After all, the leave of absence Tolentino has filed is
with pay.