THE ALTERNATE medical quarantine officer of the Laoag International Airport (LIA) and the Currimao International Seaport is a retired government doctor. Based on records, Dr. Rosito Tamayo, who effectively retired from government service at the age of 65 has been designated as alternate quarantine medical officer (AQMO) of this province’s air and seaports though his service will be without compensation from the government. A payment of per diem to Tamayo however will be charged against the funds of airlines and shipping lines where the service is being extended. As revealed in the contract of service entered between the Manila-based Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), represented by Dr. Edgardo C. Sabitsana, director IV, and Tamayo on February 8, 2006, the latter’s one-year renewable contract took effect on February 21, 2006 and will end on the same date next year. The BOQ however reserves the right to terminate Tamayo’s contract before its expiration in case the designated AQMO has unsatisfactorily fulfilled his duties and responsibilities. As AQMO, Tamayo is tasked to assume the functions, duties and responsibilities as specifically stated under Part II, Sec. 16 and 23 of the implementing rules and regulations of the Quarantine Act of 2004 at the LIA and at the Currimao port. It was later found by The Ilocos Times that Tamayo has no alternate AQMO both in Laoag and in Currimao. While referring Tamayo’s public records to the Laoag-based Civil Service Commission (CSC), a CSC officer explained that as a general rule, the government’s contract of service is covered strictly by the 65-age limit. However, in case of consultancy service, the age of more than 65 is allowed. Tamayo’s contract though is a contract of service, the CSC officer noted. In actual inspections of aircrafts and sea vessels entering the province’s ports, The Ilocos Times learned that the BOQ in this city uses a rubber stamp instead of signing in an authorized signature to make it legal and binding within the international commercial law. Under the law, a rubber stamp on official transactions is not legal for the reason that in cases of fraud or irregularity, no one can be held liable or answerable to the act committed. It was also learned that an average of P75,000 a month is being collected from aircrafts and shipping vessels from the so-called “extra services” payment from special flights, which amount to at least US$100 per flight. The Ilocos Times tried to get the side of the BOQ but they had been unavailable as of press time. Leilanie G. Adriano
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