• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Dr. Maria Agueda Dela Torre, city veterinary officer of Bacolod, has been ordered by Mayor Greg Gasataya to explain in five days the reported expiration of 39 sets of African swine fever (ASF) test kits, worth P2.4 million.
In the show-cause order (SCO) dated Dec. 2 and received by Dela Torre that same day, Gasataya said the test kits were purchased by the city in November 2023, following the two confirmed ASF cases in May that year.
“You are hereby directed to explain in writing…why no administrative disciplinary action should be taken against you in connection with the reported expiration on Nov. 30, 2025 of 39 sets of SBC ASFV PCR test kits amounting to P2,457,000,” the mayor said in the SCO.
Gasataya said Dela Torre was designated vice chairperson of the Task Force on ASF to oversee the custody, management, and utilization of the ASF test kits for surveillance, monitoring, and control activities in Bacolod. The implementing office for the purchase of the test kits is the City Veterinary Office, of which the latter is the department head.
“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, and 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 SCO stressed.
Failure to submit the required sworn explanation within five days from receipt of the SCO shall be considered a waiver of Dela Torre’s right to comment, and 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…without further notice,” it added. | CGC
