BACOLOD City — The city government has intensified its efforts to uphold discipline and accountability in public service, with administrative actions ordered against 12 regular employees of the Bacolod City Government for various violations.
Mayor Greg Gasataya directed the implementation of sanctions ranging from show cause orders and formal charges to suspension and dismissal, in response to offenses involving misconduct, absenteeism, and neglect of duty.
According to City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, two medical officers from the City Health Office (CHO) were issued separate show cause orders for conduct unbecoming of public servants.
One allegedly used abusive language during an official meeting, while the other reportedly made inappropriate and insensitive remarks during a consultation with a rape victim, raising concerns over professionalism and patient care.
In a separate administrative action, three employees from the General Services Office (GSO) were dismissed after being declared absent without official leave (AWOL) for prolonged periods, some dating back to 2023.
The city is also reviewing the case of a nursing assistant who may face dismissal due to habitual tardiness and extended unauthorized absences totaling about 75 days.
Meanwhile, accountability measures have also been imposed in other departments, Chiu said.
Four personnel from the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) are facing formal charges for neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service after more than 4,600 unused cement bags were discovered in a warehouse at the Bacolod City College (BCC) compound in September 2025.
A tourism operations officer has likewise been charged over an unliquidated cash advance amounting to P2.5 million, while a staff member from the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) was meted a six-month suspension for allegedly facilitating or “fixing” transactions within city departments.
Chiu emphasized that the administration’s actions are part of a broader push to strengthen ethical standards and professionalism in government service.
“This will serve as a warning to other erring employees to treat our patients and clientele with utmost respect, dignity, and value, considering we are in public service,” he said.
The city government underscored that the move reflects the mayor’s commitment to integrity, efficiency, and accountability in governance, reinforcing expectations that all public servants adhere to the highest standards of conduct./PN
