College teacher’s dismissal for harassment affirmed by Bacolod City

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya announced Monday that the motion for reconsideration filed by a Bacolod City College (BCC) instructor dismissed for allegedly sexually harassing a female student has been denied for lack of merit.

The decision, dated July 22, 2025, was affirmed in full, upholding the instructor’s dismissal, perpetual disqualification from public service, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and cancellation of civil service eligibility.

The instructor was found guilty of seeking sexual favors in exchange for grades and favorable academic treatment, following a formal investigation prompted by a complaint filed in February.

The complaint accused the teacher of sending inappropriate messages while pursuing the student.

The instructor filed his motion for reconsideration on Sept. 10, and the denial, signed by Gasataya as chairman of the BCC Board of Trustees, was issued on Sept. 19 and received by the teacher’s legal counsel over the weekend.

Gasataya urged other victims to file formal, written complaints to ensure that appropriate legal actions can be taken.

“Put it into writing because we cannot just base the complaint on hearsays,” he said.

He emphasized due process and assured the city’s support for victims.

City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu said that while the city addresses administrative cases, a criminal complaint may still be filed by the student.

“This sends a very, very strong signal,” Gasataya said, expressing hope that similar incidents will not happen again.