Bacolod vet chief under fire for PHP 2.4-M expired ASF kits

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government is investigating the PHP 2.457 million worth of African Swine Fever (ASF) test kits procured on Nov. 8, 2023, that allegedly expired on Nov. 30, 2025.

Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a letter dated Dec. 2, directed Dr. Maria Agueda Trinidad Dela Torre, head of the City Veterinary Office (CVO), to explain the matter. Dela Torre was serving at the time as vice chairperson of the Task Force on ASF, pursuant to an executive order.

The task force had been assigned to oversee the custody, management, and use of the ASF test kits for surveillance, monitoring, and control activities in the city.

The city’s inventory team discovered 39 sets of the alleged expired test kits.

As the implementing office for the procurement, the CVO is under scrutiny. In his letter, Gasataya noted that the expiration of a substantial number of test kits without apparent full and timely utilization indicates possible deficiencies in the planning, monitoring, and implementation of ASF testing efforts.

The mayor added that the incident may constitute gross neglect of duty, inefficiency in the performance of official duties, or conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. He also cited potential violations of government rules on the proper care, use, and safeguarding of public property and supplies.

In view of the foregoing, Dela Torre has been required to submit a written explanation, under oath, within five days of receiving the show cause order.

“Explain why no administrative disciplinary action should be taken against you in connection to this allegation,” Gasataya stated.

He warned that failure to submit the sworn explanation within the prescribed period would be considered a waiver of her right to comment. The city may then proceed with a preliminary evaluation based on existing records, which could lead to the issuance of a formal charge or notice of charge under the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RACCS), without further notice.