The head of the Bacolod City Veterinary Office (CVO) is now under formal investigation following the discovery that a large stock of government-procured African Swine Fever (ASF) test kits, valued at millions of pesos, expired without being used.
Show-Cause Order Issued by Mayor
City Administrator Mark Mayo confirmed that Mayor Greg Gasataya issued a show-cause order to Dr. Maria Agueda Dela Torre on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The order requires Dela Torre, who was previously the vice chairperson of the city's Task Force ASF, to explain her alleged failure in managing the vital supplies.
The controversy centers on a batch of ASF test kits purchased by the city government on November 8, 2023, for a total cost of P2,457,000. Each test kit was priced at P63,000. According to the procurement details, the kits had a shelf life expiring on November 30, 2025.
Massive Expiration of Government Property
An inventory check by the city's team revealed a significant loss. Out of the 45 test kits acquired, a staggering 39 units had expired on the November 30 deadline. This represents the vast majority of the expensive stockpile becoming useless.
Dr. Dela Torre was specifically tasked with overseeing the custody, management, and utilization of these test kits for the city's ASF surveillance, monitoring, and control programs. The apparent failure to deploy them in time has raised serious questions about the planning and execution of the city's animal disease prevention efforts.
Allegations of Gross Neglect and Potential Violations
In the administrative order, City Administrator Mayo stated that the expiration of such a substantial number of kits points to possible critical failures. "This may constitute gross neglect of duty, inefficiency in the performance of official duties, or conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service," Mayo said.
He further indicated that the incident could involve breaches of government rules concerning the proper care, utilization, and safeguarding of government property. The city has given Dr. Dela Torre five days to submit a written explanation or comment addressing these grave allegations.
The outcome of this investigation could lead to administrative charges against the CVO head, highlighting ongoing challenges in the management of public funds and resources intended for critical agricultural biosecurity.
