Bacolod Mayor Takes Action Against Erring City Health Office Employees
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued show cause orders to two female doctors assigned to the City Health Office (CHO), as confirmed by City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu on Thursday, March 26, 2026. This administrative move comes in response to formal complaints alleging conduct unbecoming of public servants, highlighting the city government's commitment to upholding professional standards in public service.
Specific Allegations Against the Doctors
According to Chiu, one of the doctors, holding the position of medical officer III, is accused of using abusive language during a meeting, which demeaned and disrespected her colleagues. The other medical officer reportedly made humiliating, sarcastic, and insensitive remarks during a consultation with a rape victim, allegedly violating the patient's privacy. Both doctors have been granted sufficient time to submit counter affidavits to explain their sides of the incidents.
Additional Disciplinary Actions Under Consideration
In addition to the show cause orders for the two doctors, Mayor Gasataya is considering issuing a dismissal order against a nursing assistant from the CHO. This employee faces allegations of habitual tardiness and being absent without official leave (Awol) for approximately 75 days. Chiu emphasized that these actions serve as a stern warning to other erring employees to treat patients and clientele with respect, dignity, and value, reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct in public service.
Broader Context of Administrative Sanctions
The disciplinary measures extend beyond the CHO. Three other employees from the General Services Office were recently dismissed from service after being declared Awol. Furthermore, the mayor had earlier issued administrative sanctions to six other employees, including:
- Four personnel from the City Engineer's Office, charged with neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. This followed the discovery of over 4,600 unutilized hardened cement bags at the department's warehouse in the Bacolod City College compound in September 2025.
- A tourism operations officer for an unliquidated cash advance amounting to P2.5 million.
- A male employee from the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, who received a six-month suspension for allegedly facilitating or "fixing" transactions at the Bacolod City Government Center.
Commitment to Improved Governance
Chiu stated that the current administration is actively working to enhance governance and public service delivery. He underscored the need for dedication to service, as exemplified by Mayor Gasataya's own governance approach. "We should have that dedication to serve, as emulated by the mayor himself in his governance," Chiu remarked, reinforcing the city's focus on accountability and efficiency in its operations.
