College instructor fired for sexual harassment offense

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered the immediate dismissal of a Bacolod City College (BCC) instructor found guilty of sexually harassing a female student.

The complaint, filed in February, accused the instructor—whose name is being withheld—of sending inappropriate messages and pursuing the student persistently.

In a statement, Gasataya said the city government condemns all forms of sexual misconduct, especially in institutions responsible for educating the youth.

“Abuse of authority has no place in public service,” Gasataya said.

City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu confirmed in a media interview that, after a formal investigation, the instructor was found guilty of a grave offense under civil service rules involving a request for sexual favors in exchange for passing grades and favorable academic treatment.

Gasataya, as chairman of the BCC Board of Trustees, signed the dismissal order on July 22, 2025.

The order also permanently disqualifies the teacher from holding any public office under Section 51(A) of the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.

The instructor has filed a motion for reconsideration with the City Mayor’s Office, which was forwarded to the City Legal Office on Sept. 10.

The city government is urging other potential victims to come forward and assures them of protection and support.

“Public service demands both competence and character,” Gasataya said.

“Where either is lacking—especially at the expense of the vulnerable—we will act without hesitation,” he added.