Bacolod sanctions 12 city workers for misconduct

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya has imposed administrative sanctions on 12 regular city employees, including two female medical officers from the City Health Office, and has dismissed three utility workers.

The two doctors were issued separate show-cause orders for conduct unbecoming of a public servant.

City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, in a media interview on Wednesday, said one of the doctors allegedly used abusive language during a meeting, demeaning and disrespecting colleagues.

The other medical officer allegedly made humiliating, sarcastic and insensitive remarks during a consultation with a rape victim, reportedly disregarding the patient’s privacy.

Chiu added that the mayor is also considering dismissing a nursing assistant from the City Health Office for habitual tardiness and for being absent without official leave, or AWOL, for about 75 days.

Four personnel from the City Engineer’s Office were also charged with neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service after more than 4,600 unused cement bags were discovered in their warehouse at the Bacolod City College compound in September 2025.

A tourism operations officer is also facing similar charges over an unliquidated cash advance amounting to PHP 2.5 million.

A male employee of the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office received a six-month suspension for allegedly facilitating, or “fixing,” transactions within city departments.

Three utility workers from the General Services Office were also dismissed for failing to report for work since February 2023, January 2024 and October 2025, respectively.

“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,” Chiu said.

He emphasized that the administration is pushing for improved governance and stronger accountability in public service, urging employees to uphold the same dedication demonstrated by the mayor.