The Negros Occidental Provincial Legal Office (PLO) on Monday, July 7, served show cause orders to three Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) employees.
They are accused of accepting payments in exchange for speeding up the release of permits.
Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said the employees must submit a written explanation, comment, or sworn counter-affidavit within five days of receiving the orders.
This is to explain why no criminal, civil, or administrative cases should be filed against them. Failure to comply will be considered a waiver, and the preliminary investigation may proceed without their input, he said.
A complainant alleged that the three employees requested payment to expedite the release of Recognition of Active Surveillance on African Swine Fever (ASF) documents.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that the provincial government will pursue the complaint.
“I hope it is not true,” he said, adding, “I suggest they immediately reply to the show cause orders”.*