Benitez considers suspension for BTAO chief over ‘offenses’

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez is contemplating the suspension of Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) head Patrick Lacson for committing two infractions.

During a press conference yesterday, Benitez indicated that the issues at hand concern the failure to adhere to certain administrative policies.

Lacson found himself in controversy after a photograph surfaced on social media showing a government vehicle parked at his residence without its official logo. The vehicle is part of the Mayor Albee Bantug Benitez (MABB) cab system, reserved for official city business and travel by government employees only.

Following the incident, Lacson received a notice to explain, offered an apology, and emphasized that no harm was intended, attributing the incident to a miscommunication. He clarified that the logo was removed for him to inconspicuously supervise traffic enforcers on duty.

Furthermore, this month, Lacson faced another notice after issuing an April 3 memorandum directing all traffic enforcers to issue a minimum of five tickets daily or risk suspension or termination for non-compliance. Lacson cited the practices of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other countries as his management model.

Earlier, Benitez rejected the imposition of a quota system as inappropriate and unlawful.

“The Civil Code has a provision against that, and it can be prone to abuse,” he added.

In response, Lacson mentioned the mayor withdrew the memorandum on April 19, and no enforcers met the stipulated quota. He affirmed his commitment to comply with the mayor’s directives.

Benitez underscored the need for due process saying, “Whether he is an executive assistant, a job order casual, or any employee, I approach it the same way.”

City Legal Officer Atty. Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. said that after reviewing, they deemed Lacson’s actions as minor offenses. Ting noted that the mayor’s prior knowledge is essential before issuing any memorandum order.

Ting announced that the suspension order, which may range from one day to a month, is expected to be issued within the week, pending the mayor’s endorsement.