By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya reaffirmed his administration’s strict enforcement of the no-contact policy in all transactions to prohibit fixers within the city government, stressing that business owners should directly process their permits with the proper departments.

In a press conference yesterday, Gasataya urged establishments to avoid middlemen, warning that tolerating fixers not only burdens businesses with unnecessary costs but also encourages corrupt practices.

He emphasized that fees indicated on official documents are the only amounts that should be paid, noting that government employees are already compensated to perform their duties.

“The policy is not just about discipline — it’s also a safeguard for both business owners and employees,” Gasataya said, pointing out that strict compliance prevents opportunities for wrongdoing within government offices.

The mayor added that his administration remains committed to protecting entrepreneurs in Bacolod by ensuring fair, transparent and accountable transactions in all city government services./CJ, WDJ