The Negros Occidental legal office is investigating a complaint against three Provincial Veterinary Office employees for allegedly accepting payments in exchange for expediting the release of permits.
“The Provincial Legal Office (PLO) is acting on the complaint and show cause orders will be served to the three employees”, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said on Friday, July 4.
Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas said the show cause orders were supposed to be served on Friday but the three employees were on assignment. They will instead be served on Monday, July 7, Nellas said.
The complaint sent to Diaz said the acceptance of payments by the employees in exchange for expediting the release of permits “constitutes bribery and a serious breach of public trust”.
They have been demanding payments for the release of permits, particularly the RAS (Recognition of Active Surveillance) related to African Swine Fever, the complaint said.
The complainants furnished Diaz with copies of conversations on messenger where the employees demanded payment for the releases. One employee said the payment would be used for “pang lagaw”.
Also among the evidence provided by the complainants was a “receipt of payment transaction through Palawan which confirms that they received money from a shipper”.
“This suggests a pattern of accepting gifts or payments in exchange for preferential treatment and/or the issuance of permits. This behavior is unethical, illegal, and undermines the integrity of the Provincial Veterinary Office,” the complaint said.
“We request a thorough and impartial investigation,” the complainants said.
“We urge you to take appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension, termination, and referral to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution for all the persons involved,” they added.
The complainants said they wish to remain anonymous and request that their identities be protected throughout the investigation process.
“We are available to provide further information and assistance as needed during the investigation, while maintaining anonymity,” they added.
DIGICAST NEGROS is withholding the names of the employees named pending investigation of the complaint.*