Bacolod City to sanction non-performing workers

Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez warned that the city government will take swift action against non-performing Job Order (JO) workers and employees.

He emphasized that his administration will not tolerate inaction, irresponsibility, or any illegal activity.

During Tuesday’s (January 21) press conference at the mayor’s office, City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu revealed that about four city workers are currently under investigation for alleged misconduct.

These individuals may face legal action if found liable, Chiu said.

All of these cases, the mayor said, were reported through the city program “Isugid Kay Mayor.”

He explained that when leaders actively address public concerns, it encourages citizens to report issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.

As an institutional program, “Isugid Kay Mayor” will be strengthened while reported concerns will be thoroughly investigated so that appropriate action can be taken, Benitez said.

The mayor emphasized that anyone can be reported, from department heads to JO employees.

According to Benitez, his administration is ensuring that sufficient JOs are hired to effectively complete assigned tasks.

“When you are not working, you defeat the purpose of being a JO or an employee,” he stressed.

Benitez pointed out that in the previous administration, the budget allocated for JOs was significantly higher reaching close to P700 million for approximately 7,000 JOs.

This number has been streamlined to around 4,000 under his administration.

“As an ongoing process, the culture here in the New Government Center is one of doing the right thing,” he concluded.* (Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr./NDB)