IRIGA CITY – The Sangguniang Panglalawigan (SP) of Camarines Sur has given NBI Director Carlos Saunar four months to prove that he deserves to stay in his post.

        This was learned from Board Member Rex Oliva in an interview with the Bicol Mail as he made it clear that while majority members of SP were not amused when they learned that NBI-Bicol has no action plan or program in its campaign against illegal drugs and other crimes, the move seeking his removal from office was not outright.

        Oliva, chairman of the SP’s Committee on Peace and Ordinance, said it was agreed upon by the present Board Members to give Saunar ample time to prove his critics wrong considering that he just assumed office some three months ago.

        Aside from his appearance at the provincial board during its 1st regular session for 2007, Saunar was also invited to appear during the regular session of Naga City council last January 22 for the same purpose. The city councilors led by Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado reportedly felt insulted when Saunar told them that food production, specifically “planting pechay” was his priority.

        But such statement was retracted later by the NBI official, saying he was just kidding followed by an explanation that what he told the members of two legislative bodies were not true after-all.

        In fact, he said that aside from the policies laid down by their central office, his decision not to reveal information regarding plans and programs was meant to protect the confidentially of their investigation of various cases in Bicol.

        Should he still fail to show good performance within the 4-month period, Oliva said the SP would surely be compelled to take drastic move against Saunar.

        Last January 25, the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission has ordered the relief of Saunar as NBI Director on the basis of graft charges leveled against him for allegedly failing to report for work despite the fact that he was receiving his salary.

        But the embattled NBI Director defied such order, saying his case was far from over as he vowed to file a motion for reconsideration until it reaches the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court.