Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez issued a memorandum on Tuesday, August 30, to all Victorias City government employees to observe proper conduct while hosting persons on official travel.
Benitez issued the memorandum in view of the recent suspension of five employees of the Negros Occidental Office of the Provincial Agriculturist who have been formally charged for grave misconduct.
The five OPA staff made a provincial government vehicle and its driver wait beyond office hours while they engaged in a drinking spree with Victorias government employees at a restaurant in Victorias City, Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said earlier.
Benitez, in his memorandum, said ”everyone, regardless of the nature employment, is directed to think, act and conduct themselves as responsible and honorable public servants by avoiding any act or omissions which will put the reputation of the office you hold and that of the local government of Victorias in question.”
Avoid “courtesy invitations” during or after official travels that involves committing acts unbecoming of a public servant or the unnecessary wastes of government resources, Benitez told the city employees.
These acts are distasteful, violate the code of conduct of a government employee and will not be tolerated, he said.
Benitez also directed the city’s Administrative Investigation Committee to monitor such acts that his order seeks to prevent.*