BACOLOD City — The City Legal Office (CLO) has urged the public and business establishments to immediately report any suspected unauthorized collection of fees as it continues to investigate allegations involving two regular employees of the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO).
City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu said the city government does not tolerate irregular collections and encouraged affected establishments to come forward with information.
He stressed that reports may be filed with the appropriate city offices to allow authorities to act swiftly on such incidents.
The investigation stemmed from a complaint submitted to the office of Mayor Greg Gasataya, alleging that certain employees were collecting fees or taxes at night from entertainment establishments in the city.
The complaint also alleged that the involved employees issued temporary receipts, according to Chiu. He added that the case build-up is ongoing and that no show-cause order has been issued yet, as authorities are still completing the necessary documentation.
The CLO has obtained CCTV footage and other evidence, which are currently being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Chiu clarified that only an authorized joint inspection team is allowed to conduct inspections and collections. The team is composed of representatives from the CTO, CLO, Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), and the Mayor’s Office.
He reiterated his appeal for establishments and residents to remain vigilant and report any similar incidents, emphasizing the city government’s commitment to transparency and to protecting businesses from unauthorized collections./PN
