Ninety fake Bacolod business permits have been discovered, and the number appears to be increasing, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said Thursday, July 20.
Fixers, who may be part of a syndicate, are believed to be behind the issuance of the fake business permits, Benitez said, adding that an investigation is underway.
Those allegedly involved were job order workers from the previous administration, who are no longer working for the city government, he said, adding that it could have been an inside job.
The Bacolod City Treasurer has found fake official receipts, assessments and business permits all because of reports from concerned citizens, he said.
Benitez said he is encouraging Bacolod residents to be active participants in reporting illegal activities in the city government so they can be acted on immediately.
“Anyone can be an informer, a hero,” Benitez said.
Under his administration QR codes have been placed on business permits and official documents for easy detection of those that are fake, he said.
Meanwhile, a Bacolod City government department head faces suspension for an illegal transaction, Benitez said.
He withheld the name of the department head while the investigation is underway.*