By CESAR JOLITO III
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered a series of administrative actions against 12 regular employees of the city government, including two doctors accused of misconduct, in a sweeping move to enforce discipline and accountability in public service.
According to City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, the two female medical officers from the City Health Office were issued separate show-cause orders for conduct unbecoming of public servants.
One of the doctors allegedly used abusive language during an official meeting, reportedly belittling and disrespecting colleagues.
The other medical officer, meanwhile, is accused of making sarcastic and insensitive remarks during a consultation with a rape victim, raising concerns over professionalism and patient confidentiality.
In a separate action, three employees from the General Services Office were dismissed after being declared absent without official leave.
Records showed they had failed to report for duty since February 2023, January 2024 and October 2025, respectively.
Chiu also disclosed that another employee — a nursing assistant from the City Health Office — is facing possible dismissal due to habitual tardiness and prolonged absence totaling around 75 days.
The administrative sweep also extended to the City Engineer’s Office, where four personnel are now facing formal charges for neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The charges stem from the discovery of more than 4,600 unused hardened cement bags at a warehouse inside the Bacolod City College compound in September 2025.
A tourism operations officer has likewise been charged over an unliquidated cash advance amounting to P2.5 million, while a male employee from the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office was handed a six-month suspension for allegedly facilitating or “fixing” transactions for clients within city departments.
Chiu said the actions reflect the city government’s firm stance on professionalism and accountability.
“This will serve as a warning to other erring employees to treat our patients and clientele with utmost respect, dignity and value, considering we are in public service,” he said./CJ, WDJ