Court: Pay Czuba in full

By BEVERLY PETER
A contempt proceeding against Higher Education, Research and Science Technology Department (DHERST) acting Secretary Dr Francis Hualupmomi has been withdrawn on condition that suspended secretary Fr Jan Czuba is on his full pay.
Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi presiding at Waigani National Court ordered Hualupmomi to follow conditions attached with the order. The conditions among others were for Hualupmomi to ensure that all data entries in relation to Fr Yan’s pay were properly made and submitted to Finance Department, and no unnecessary deduction be made on his pay.
Fr Yan’s lawyers Edward Sasingian said Fr Yan’s pay had been fluctuating since his suspension.
“After a court order was made for Fr Yan to be on full pay, the department is now trying to add some of the payments of his salary and entitlements and pay it as a lump sum,” he said.
Sasingian said he had obtained an affidavit from the Finance Department stating that the fluctuation of his pay was due to the data submitted from DHERST.
Kevin Kipongi, representing the State, said Fr Yan’s pay fluctuated due to technical errors.
“As of yesterday, K120,000 of Fr Yan’s K144,000 outstanding was paid and only K24,000 balance is yet to be paid,” Kipongi said.
He said Finance Department was responsible for public servants’ salaries and if there was an error, everyone was supposed to be affected, not just Fr Yan.
Meanwhile, the legal representation of Hualupmomi’s lawyer Justine Wohuinangu was referred to the Attorney General’s office.
Kandakasi ordered the parties to file affidavits to proceed trial on substantive matters and adjourned the case to registry for a trial date.