Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya is urging the business community to report corruption-related concerns following recent allegations that two employees of the City Treasurer’s Office engaged in illegal nighttime tax collection and issued unofficial receipts.
The mayor has pledged a thorough investigation, based on solid evidence, the city said Feb. 4. “As long as there is basis and evidence, the city will take appropriate action.”
During the Feb. 2 meeting with business groups, Gasataya emphasized the need for transparency, and encouraged them to come forward with any issues encountered in transacting with the city government.
“You should not be afraid to report because it is good if we can intercept these issues. Some may fear that reporting incidents could jeopardize their ability to process their permits; however, that should not be the case. The more we tolerate this, the more it will happen again. I am grateful to those who have come forward. These issues are not new–they have occurred before, with many reports already made,” Gasataya stressed.
The mayor confirmed that the City Legal Office launched an investigation immediately after the complaints against the two employees were received last week.
“The investigation by the City Legal Office is ongoing. We are just awaiting their findings and recommendations,” he said, adding that reminders to employees about avoiding irregularities have already yielded improvements.
“Illegal practices will not be tolerated. The city government will act decisively once sufficient evidence is gathered,” the mayor said as he stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for all.
He called on the business community to continue cooperating with the city government to strengthen good governance in Bacolod. ||
