Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered the city veterinarian to explain why no administrative disciplinary action should be taken against her for the reported expiration of 39 sets of test kits designed to detect the African Swine Fever virus worth P2.4 million.
Gasataya issued the show cause order against Dr. Maria Agueda Trinidad dela Torre, the city veterinarian, on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
City Administrator Mark Mayo said the show cause order is not related to animal welfare groups’ call for her removal from office for the current state of the Bacolod dog pound.
Gasataya in his show cause order directed dela Torre to explain in writing why no administrative disciplinary action should be taken against her in connection with the reported expiration on November 30 of 39 sets of SBC ASFV PCR Test Kits amounting to P2,457,000.
These test kits were part of the SBC ASFV PCR Test Kits purchased by the City of Bacolod on Nov. 8, 2023.
“The expiration of a substantial number of test kits without apparent full and timely utilization tends to show possible deficiencies in planning, monitoring and implementation of ASF testing activities,” the mayor said.
This “may constitute gross neglect of duty, inefficiency in the performance of official duties, or conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, as well as possible violations of applicable government rules on the proper care, utilization and safeguarding of government property and supplies,” the mayor said in his show cause order.
The city veterinarian was ordered to submit her written explanation or comment, under oath, within five days from receipt of the show cause order.
“Failure to submit the required sworn explanation within the prescribed period shall be considered a waiver of your right to comment, and the preliminary evaluation may be completed and resolved on the basis of the records on hand, which may result in the issuance of a formal charge or notice of charge against you,” the mayor added.*