Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago warned port officials and employees to refrain from engaging in drinking session inside all port facilities, saying it is not only unethical but also violates the government’s rules and regulations.
Santiago issued the warning following the relief of eight officials of the Port Management Office (PMO) Bohol who were caught drinking and partying inside the multi-purpose hall of the Bohol port.
Santiago cited the memoranda from the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the PPA itself about the prohibition on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the workplace.
“This prohibitions include the consumption of alcoholic beverages such as but not limited to malt beverages, wine and intoxicating liquor, including reporting for work while under the influence of alcohol,” Santiago stated in a memorandum dated Aug. 18 this year.
He said the memorandum covers PPA officials and employees, Contract of Service (CoS), and outsourced personnel.
Last week, the head of the PMO Bohol was sacked from his post, along with seven other local officials after they were caught drinking inside the Bohol port. The incident was caught in the CCTV system which is connected to the PPA main office in Manila.
‘Personnel who consume intoxicating liquor and other alcoholic beverages while at work or those who have reported for work under the influence of alcohol shall be penalized to the fullest extent of the law,” said Santiago.