By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a show-cause order (SCO) against four personnel under the Supply and Property Section of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) in connection with the discovery of thousands of hardened cement bags stored in warehouses in Barangays Taculing and Alijis.

In a press conference yesterday, Gasataya announced a major overhaul of the office tasked with overseeing the entry and release of construction materials procured by the local government for infrastructure projects.

The mayor directed the four personnel, including a supply officer, to respond to the SCO within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the city’s disposal committee will convene to study the proper legal process for the disposal of the unusable cement stocks.

Gasataya stressed that the local government is determined to address the issue and implement reforms to ensure accountability in the handling of public resources.

Earlier, Gasataya said he was alarmed by the recent discovery, and he had already ordered a full investigation and the filing of appropriate charges against those accountable for the neglected supplies.

“Heads will roll. This will not be swept under the rug. We cannot, and we will not allow this kind of neglect to go unanswered,” Gasataya said.

The mayor said the more than 4,800 hardened cement bags were intended for the city’s projects being implemented by the CEO.

Gasataya expressed disappointment over the discovery, saying the materials could have been used for classrooms, barangay infrastructure and other city projects.

Earlier, the mayor issued a memorandum establishing a team composed of the Internal Audit, General Services Office, and CEO to conduct an inventory of the city’s stocks and supplies./CJ, WDJ