BACOLOD City – Approximately 30 city government personnel assigned to the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) have been dismissed from their positions due to alleged corrupt activities while performing their duties.
Patrick Lacson, head of BTAO, said that since he assumed the post in November of the previous year, 30 job order casual employees have been removed.
Additionally, some regular employees were allegedly involved in illegal activities. However, they will be reassigned to the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) due to their status as regular government employees.
“There was a violation, so they were transferred to POSO and have also been assessed by POSO head Primitivo Tabujara,” said Lacson.
He further said BTAO observes the “one-strike” policy against illegal activities involving its personnel to discourage corruption.
The head of BTAO issued an unnumbered memorandum dated April 16, addressed to all BTAO personnel: “All personnel caught engaging in illegal activities will be summarily terminated and face legal charges from the City Legal Office (CLO).”
But Lacson also noted that there was a consensus that termination should not be the only consequence for those caught in illegal activities.
Additional repercussions should be implemented, including filing charges, he added./PN
